After three years at the helm of the Greenbelt News Review, Editor Gary Childs is moving on to pursue other life objectives. Editor Emerita Mary Lou Williamson has graciously agreed to step back into the editor role until the newspaper completes its search for a new long-term editor. This search, due to the pandemic, is currently on hold. The editorial staff is reorganizing itself and its processes to smooth the transition and keep the paper running as efficiently as ever in the interim.
Lively Approach
During his tenure as editor, Childs has expanded the paper’s emphasis on sports and business news. Under his sway, the News Review has kept its familiar look while emphasizing a lively and pictorial approach to reporting. He describes achieving this balance as a “mixture of art and science.” Childs also noted that, when he took on the role, he had no idea how much he would need to learn. He spoke of the complexities not only of the newspaper production process, but of the paper’s own vibe and its relationship with the city and its residents.
During a recent meeting, the newspaper’s board thanked Childs for his service and dedication, noting that it is very much to his credit that for almost one-third of his time with the paper and while working 100 percent remotely, he successfully coped with the various difficulties resulting from the Covid-19 epidemic.
Keeping the Faith
Williamson has remained firmly attached to a newspaper she has nurtured for most of her adult life. During Childs’ tenure, she has continued to provide senior-level copy editing and offered expert guidance and feedback on everything from commas to curmudgeons. Williamson also provides the perspective of decades of knowledge of the newspaper, the city and the personalities.
The editorial team surrounding her these coming months is intent on providing her with every assistance to ensure clear sailing and, for a few weeks in February, Childs will also remain on call to help out if necessary.
Managing Editor
Key player Amy Hansen is returning to the newspaper in the role of managing editor, reporting to Williamson. For the next few months she will be responsible for integrating the gathering and preparation of copy for publication – recommending stories, assigning writers, supporting students and shepherding material through the editing and production process. Hansen’s educational background in journalism and lifetime experience in the field prepare her well for this position, which signals her return to the paper following a sabbatical she spent writing her most recent book.
Editor Search
The News Review hopes to find a new editor in the next several months, after its members are able to gather again in the newsroom. While the newspaper has been successfully produced every week, the camaraderie and social contact of the newsroom have been sorely missed since production went to mostly remote access in March 2020. When normal operations resume, the recruitment process can include visits, introductions and interviews that will improve the selection process for both the applicants and the newspaper.
Notwithstanding the hiatus in actively searching for an editor, those potentially interested in the role are encouraged to contact the newspaper at editor@greenbeltnewsreview.com at any time with a statement of interest.
