A group of veteran journalists in New York City is launching a project called the New York Editorial Board to vet candidates for higher office in response to the decline of influence of traditional newspaper editorial boards. Their goal is to continue the tradition of providing independent and experienced editorial interviews of public officials that has been left behind by retreating local media outlets. This group of journalists, including political writers, editors, and columnists, aims to fill the gap left by the decision of The New York Times to no longer endorse candidates in local elections.
The timing of this collective is notable, especially in light of the recent indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, which raises the possibility of a nonpartisan special election if he resigns. The group plans to conduct on-the-record interviews with candidates, and individual members will write and report on what they learn, possibly making endorsements as a result. Unlike traditional newspaper editorial boards, which are composed of opinion journalists separate from the newsroom, the New York Editorial Board consists of a mix of news editors, analysts, and columnists from across the city. Their aim is to provide a counterbalance to the interest groups and transactions that dominate the city’s politics.
The group includes prominent journalists such as NY1 anchor and CNN political analyst Errol Louis, Vital City managing editor Josh Greenman, The City executive editor Alyssa Katz, and Daily News columnist Harry Siegel, among others. They hope that the prominence of these journalists, many of whom have been covering local politics for generations, will encourage politicians to participate in their interviews. The New York Editorial Board plans to start conducting interviews with politicians after the November election, with the goal of providing independent and insightful coverage of candidates running for higher office in New York City.
The formation of the New York Editorial Board is a response to the changing landscape of media influence and the need for independent journalistic coverage of political candidates in New York City. The group aims to continue the tradition of vetting candidates that has been left behind by retreating local media outlets, particularly in light of recent events such as the potential indictment of Mayor Eric Adams. By conducting on-the-record interviews and providing endorsements, the group hopes to provide a valuable service to voters and hold public officials accountable to the citizens they serve.
The New York Editorial Board consists of a diverse group of journalists with varying backgrounds, including news editors, analysts, and columnists. This mix of expertise and experience will provide a unique perspective on the candidates running for higher office in New York City. The group plans to conduct interviews with politicians and write about their findings, potentially making endorsements based on their assessments. By filling the gap left by traditional newspaper editorial boards, the New York Editorial Board aims to serve as a counterweight to the interest groups and transactions that dominate the city’s politics.
Overall, the New York Editorial Board represents a new approach to covering local politics in New York City, with a focus on providing independent and insightful coverage of candidates for higher office. The group’s diverse composition and commitment to conducting on-the-record interviews set them apart from traditional editorial boards, offering a fresh perspective on the political landscape in the city. As they move forward with their plans to start interviewing politicians after the November election, the group hopes to make a meaningful impact on the political discourse and decision-making process in New York City.
