NEW YORK –- The Washington Post announced plans Thursday to launch an online political channel in Summer 2013.
Marty Baron, who took over this week as the paper's executive editor, told staff in a memo that the channel's "programming will be produced in collaboration with the politics reporting team and will include hundreds of easily watchable clips organized into shows totaling over 30 hours per month."
To highlight the new expanded content, Baron told staff the "The Post will introduce a more immersive, interactive video experience."
The Post will draw from its newsroom, with both reporters and commentators appearing on several franchise programs. In announcing the expansion, Baron highlighted the paper's growth in video last year through the launch of The Fold, a nightly news show, and its coverage of the 2012 political conventions.
Newspapers, such as The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, along with outlets like Politico and The Huffington Post, have all expanded their video offerings over the past year. In a release, Baron said that "as news consumers increasingly turn to video, a video channel centered on politics is a natural for The Post."
READ BARON'S MEMO TO STAFF BELOW:
All,
Last year was a banner year for video at The Washington Post, with the launch of The Fold on PostTV, exceptional political coverage at the conventions and through election day, and the award-winning video journalism for which The Post is known.
Today we're announcing a significant expansion of those efforts in 2013 and beyond with the launch of a lively, engaging video channel devoted to politics. It will launch this summer. Programming will be produced in collaboration with the politics reporting team and will include hundreds of easily watchable clips organized into shows totaling over 30 hours per month. To highlight this video, The Post will introduce a more immersive, interactive video experience. Video also will be featured prominently on the homepage and within articles.
Andy Pergam will take on a senior leadership role and add this new initiative to his responsibilities. He'll work closely with Kevin Merida, Steven Ginsberg and the politics team. He'll also work closely with Steve Schiffman, former president of National Geographic Channels and the consultant who developed the business plan for the project. Schiffman will act as general manager for the business.
We're going to begin recruiting for the project immediately. So, if you have recommendations, please let Andy, Peter or Shirley know. We’ll offer more information in coming months.
Marty