A group of veteran journalists in New York City are forming the New York Editorial Board to vet candidates for higher office in response to the decline of newspaper editorial boards. The decision to launch this project comes after The New York Times announced that its editorial board will no longer endorse candidates in local elections. The group hopes to fill the gap left by retreating local media outlets and hold politicians accountable through on-the-record interviews and reporting on their findings. This initiative aims to bring independent, experienced journalistic editorial interviews back into the spotlight as a crucial test for public officials.
The New York Editorial Board is composed of a mix of news editors, analysts, and columnists from various publications across the city. Unlike traditional newspaper editorial boards, which operate separately from a publication’s newsroom, this group will conduct interviews with candidates and may choose to make endorsements based on their findings. The members hope that their collective significance, stemming from their extensive experience in journalism, will compel politicians to participate in the interview process and gain public trust in the electoral system. The group is guided by a desire to maintain public-interest journalism as a counterweight to special interest groups and transactions that influence politics.
The timing of the New York Editorial Board’s formation is particularly notable following the recent indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, which could potentially lead to a nonpartisan special election if he resigns. With several possible candidates already showing interest, the group’s role in vetting these individuals will be significant in the upcoming political landscape. The deepening crisis surrounding the Adams administration is likely to attract more attention to the newly formed collective, further emphasizing the importance of their work in maintaining accountability and transparency in local politics.
The group includes renowned journalists such as 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, Bklyner founder Liena Zagare, former Gotham Gazette editor Ben Max, and other distinguished members. With their combined expertise and credibility, the New York Editorial Board is poised to influence public perception and candidate selection in future elections. The group plans to start conducting interviews with politicians after the November election, signaling their commitment to establishing a more transparent and accountable electoral process in New York City.
By interviewing candidates on the record and reporting their findings, the New York Editorial Board aims to uphold journalistic integrity while engaging in meaningful public-interest journalism that is essential for a democratic society. The group hopes to bring back the tradition of journalistic editorial interviews as a vital component of scrutinizing public officials and assessing their suitability for higher office. Through their collective efforts, the members of the New York Editorial Board seek to ensure that the interests of the public are prioritized over political interest groups and transactions, ultimately strengthening the democratic process in America’s greatest city.
