Erik Wemple named editor of our local startup (soon to be named))

We just sent out this press release. I am looking forward to meeting and working with Erik Wemple.

Arlington, VA, February 22, 2010 – Erik Wemple has been named editor of the local news startup soon to be launched by Allbritton Communications in the Washington region. Wemple comes to Allbritton after eight years as editor of Washington City Paper.

“The City Paper has been an indispensible part of the D.C. media scene for years, and much of that is due to Erik,” said Jim Brady, president of digital strategy for Allbritton.  “Every week, Erik oversees a product that’s engaging, edgy, funny and, most importantly, never dull. We’re thrilled to have an editor as skilled and respected as Erik join us in this adventure.”

Said Wemple: “I am greatly honored to have this opportunity in front of me. We’re talking about a massive investment in local newsgathering, plus an amazing assemblage of Web talent. Our goal will be to deliver a product that lives up to the company’s commitment.”

The name of this new local startup will be announced by early March. The site will use social and citizen media, new technologies and a multi-platform strategy to provide the most current and relevant local news to the region. In addition to the reporting staff being hired for the new site, Allbritton will rely upon the strength of already successful local brands ABC 7/WJLA-TV and News Channel 8 and nationally recognized POLITICO.com to provide content for the new site.

Wemple assumed the role of editor of the City Paper in January 2002, and his association with the paper stretches back to 1994, when he began contributing as a freelancer. Under his direction, the paper has striven to provide deeply reported print and online stories focusing on all things D.C., with particular obsessions in the worlds of politics, crime and justice, arts and entertainment, and local media. Noteworthy stories from his time at the paper include a 2009 investigation into Marion Barry’s funneling of public funds to hastily created nonprofits under his control; a groundbreaking 2007 investigative story on Thomas Sweatt, the serial arsonist who terrified the region for years; and a 2002 expose on the murder of a prominent Virginia scientist. Over this time, the Washington City Paper has won many awards, including the Livingston Award – for the Thomas Sweatt story – and the George Jean Nathan Award, one of the country’s most prestigious honors in the area of theater criticism.

Allbritton Communications Company operates eight television stations in seven broadcast markets, including Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia and Washington, DC.  Allbritton Communications also owns and operates the political newspaper and website POLITICO and POLITICO.com.