Black media professionals matter!
The Miami Herald just named Monica Richardson as their new executive editor, making her the first Black person to hold the title in the paper’s 117-year-history, The Miami Herald reports.
Richardson is a 30-year news veteran, having gotten her start in her hometown Charlottesville, Virginia, at the Charlottesville Observer. Since then, she has worked for the Florida Times-Union, the Lexington Herald-Leader and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where she spent the last 15 years, first as digital managing editor and then as senior managing editor. Now, Richardson is heading to Miami to become The Herald’s first Black executive editor in more than a century.
The Virginia native will utilize her expert skills in Metro reporting and digital news to help grow the company’s demographic and digital subscriptions. She will also oversee el Nuevo Herald and the Bradenton Herald, simultaneously operating as Florida regional editor for the Herald’s parent company, McClatchy.
Kristin Roberts, senior vice president of news at McClatchy, spoke about Richardson’s appointment, saying, “We are thrilled to welcome Monica to Miami. She has a strong record of leadership in local journalism at one of the great metro newsrooms in the country. Now, she brings her commitment to accountability journalism and a track record of successful digital innovation that serves local audiences.”
As new executive editor, Richardson will be taking over for Aminda Marques Gonzalez, who ended her decade long career at the Miami Herald to join publishing giant Simon & Schuster. Richardson’s appointment comes when media worldwide is trying to maintain revenue during the pandemic while also addressing issues of diversity and inclusion, given the current social climate. Richardson plans to carry out the mission of The Miami Herald by focusing on its online transformation and amplifying stories that matter to the newsroom as well as the community.
Dorothy Tucker, president of the National Association of Black Journalists, praised Richardson’s hiring, saying, “We congratulate Monica and are pleased that the McClatchy-owned Herald is taking this important historic step to diversify its management ranks. It’s a good business decision that will benefit Herald consumers through the production of additional content that appeals to a broader audience.”
“I’m pleased to be working in a newsroom where journalism is the core mission of everything. That’s what drives me in my career. It’s the passion. I wouldn’t be coming to Miami if I didn’t see that passion for journalism. [Becoming the first Black executive editor] – I don’t take that lightly. It means a lot to me. It means a lot to my family. It means a lot to my ancestors. I’ll step into those shoes and work hard,” Richardson said.
Congratulations, Monica!
Photo Courtesy of The Miami Herald