Abramson, who left under a cloud of controversy fueled by one side citing incompetence in management and Abramson citing gender discrimination and unequal pay issues. It is interesting to note, however, that the women of the Times have not come to her defense. In fact, in a series of tweets by Lydia Polgreen, New York Times Deputy International editor, the message is clear. Polgreen writes, “One telling fact: The women of the Times would revolt en masse if they thought gender played any role at all in Abramson’s firing.
“There has been no revolt. There have been many searching conversations, but no women’s revolt over Jill Abramson’s firing at the NYT.
“Are women at the NYT afraid of losing their jobs if they speak up? I don’t think so. I know I am not”.
Had it not been for Abramson leaving under such a cloud, would Baquet have ascended to the rank of executive editor? I think so.
Baquet is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has been managing editor of the Times since 2011. In a statement, Arthur Sulzberger Jr., the publisher of the New York Times and chairman of the New York Times Company, said, “There is no journalist in our newsroom or elsewhere better qualified to take on the responsibilities of executive editor at this time than Dean Baquet. He is an exceptional reporter and editor with impeccable news judgment who enjoys the confidence and support of his colleagues around the world and across the organization.”
So now it is time to wait and see. We have always said that part of the power of the press is the ability to dictate what is on the front page and the home page. Mr. Baquet, the front pages are yours. Please do us proud.
(Elinor Tatum is editor and chief of the NY Amsterdam News.)
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