The New York Times will abstain from endorsing in local elections. A influential group of journalists intends to bridge this endorsement gap.
A gathering of notable New York journalists, comprising political commentators, editors, and columnists, is initiating a venture to scrutinize potential candidates for higher positions. They claim this move serves to preserve the legacy abandoned by retreating neighborhood media outlets.
As per Semafor editor-in-chief Ben Smith, the working title for this assembly is the New York Editorial Board, which he helped establish recently. Described by Smith as "a group of journalists interrogating politicians," this self-proclaimed body aims to, in part, respond to The New York Times' announcement in August of ceasing candidate endorsements in New York's local elections.
Smith remarked, expressing his individual sentiments, "Perhaps we can pressure The Times into reconsidering its civic obligations."
The timing of this initiative becomes particularly significant in the aftermath of last week's indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, potentially leading to a nonpartisan special election in case of his resignation. Multiple potential replacements are already pooling resources. Regardless of the final outcome, the mounting turmoil in and around the Adams administration will undoubtedly amplify attention towards this new collective.
Smith revealed that the group will conduct public interviews with contenders. Individual members will then compile and release their findings, potentially leading to endorsements.
Differing from typical newspaper editorial boards, which consist of opinion-based journalists segregated from a publication's newsroom, the germinating New York Editorial Board comprises a blend of news editors, analysts, and columnists from across the city.
"This happened as a result of casual conversations among associates about replenishing the void for independent, seasoned journalistic editorial meetings that once acted as a crucial assessment for public figures," Smith explained. "Public-interest journalism could also perform as a counterbalance to the interest groups and negotiations overwhelming the politics of America's largest city."
The organization draws strength from unity, or so is their hypothesis, anticipating politicians will feel compelled to engage given the prestige of the local journalists with a history spanning generations.
The collective will include NY1 anchor and CNN political analyst Errol Louis; Vital City managing editor Josh Greenman; The City executive editor Alyssa Katz; Daily News columnist Harry Siegel; former Gotham Gazette editor Ben Max; and other reputable journalists.
Smith anticipates the group will commence interviews with politicians following the November election.
The New York Editorial Board, comprised of esteemed journalists, is leveraging media platforms to disseminate their findings and analysis, strengthening their influence in the business world. In light of the ongoing political drama surrounding New York City Mayor Eric Adams, this group aims to provide critical insights, offering the public a robust alternative to traditional endorsement practices.
