Post Editor in Chief Rick Rouan will extend his term another year, The Post Publishing Board decided yesterday.
Rouan, a third-year senior specializing in online journalism, was the only applicant for the position. He became editor in chief when senior Matt Zapotosky left The Post for The Washington Post at the end of Winter Quarter.
Rouan, who earns $150 a week, said his biggest challenge next year will be improving the paper's Web site, but he would not comment on specific changes.
The Post will also continue to hold the city of Athens and Ohio University officials accountable next year, Rouan said.
I think I'm the person to really continue in that mission and lead this paper
he said.
A major test for Rouan came early this quarter, when OU told The Post it would not release faculty evaluations of deans before the provost completed her evaluation. OU, worried that articles based solely on faculty comments would be one-sided, advised waiting until the provost's more comprehensive evaluations were complete.
Rouan, concerned OU was withholding public records that it released without quarrel in the past, retained a lawyer. The records were released yesterday, a week after The Post's lawyer contacted OU.
That was a really strong step in our mission of accountability Rouan said.
Senior Director of Media Relations Sally Linder, who speaks with Post reporters daily, said she hopes to see balanced news and journalistic excellence from The Post next year. Linder also said she appreciates Rouan's willingness to sit down and discuss issues.
There will always be a few areas where we disagree but I think he shows a great deal of professional integrity (by being willing to discuss those things)
she said
Former Editor in Chief Zapotosky said Rouan was a great choice for the job.
I think
especially with this recent dean evaluations records fight
he's shown that he is willing and able to fight the necessary battles in the name of public information
Zapotosky said. He's really upheld a long tradition of great journalism at The Post
and I think he'll continue to do that next year.
Rouan began working at The Post as a copy editor and staff writer during 2005. He was promoted to Campus Editor last year and Managing Editor this fall. Last summer, Rouan reported for the Springfield News-Sun. Rouan will intern at The Columbus Dispatch this summer.
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