Would you hire your "sports editor?"

One thing some of us of a certain age have had to grapple with is the change in the role of "sports editor" over the past couple of decades ... in a lot of shops, the SE was the most experienced writer who had worked his way up the ladder. Management was something of an afterthought, or was left to somebody down the line (the slot guy, for instance). Somewhere along the line, the "professional manager" invaded the field.

Not everybody adapted well to the change. Some papers are still in denial on this point.

The best and worst SEs I have worked with were both at USA Today. To have that happen consecutively was odd but ultimately instructive.

 

I've had three SEs in 26 years. The first one was a true newsman, but not a good administrator. No. The second one was a disastrous yes-man. No. The third and current one is somebody who runs a department well, has your back with the higher-ups and delegates responsibility effectively. I'd hire him in a heartbeat.

 

I would hire my current sports editor. Now my direct supervisor/ASE? No chance in hell.

 

Ditto, my boss rocks.

 

My SE deserves a massive raise.