The Washington Post has announced a significant change in its international news leadership. Kendra Nichols, currently the Seoul hub editor, will assume the role of London hub editor in early 2025. This appointment underscores The Post's commitment to its 24/7 global news operation, which has been a cornerstone of the newspaper's strategy since launching its digital subscription model in 2013.
Nichols will succeed Sara Sorcher, who has led the London operation since its inception in 2021. The transition will begin in September 2024, with both editors working side by side to ensure a smooth handover. This collaborative approach reflects The Post's dedication to maintaining continuity in its international coverage, a tradition that dates back to the newspaper's founding in 1877.
The London hub plays a crucial role in The Post's round-the-clock news relay, bridging the gap between Washington and Seoul. This global network allows The Post to provide continuous coverage of breaking news events, from wars to natural disasters, across different time zones. The importance of this system is highlighted by The Post's presence in 14 countries outside the United States, demonstrating its commitment to comprehensive international reporting.
Nichols brings a wealth of experience to her new role. She joined The Post in 2005 as a multiplatform editor and has since held various positions within the organization. Her tenure includes seven years as Local Living editor, where she reimagined The Post's lifestyle content. In 2021, Nichols successfully launched the Seoul hub, showcasing her ability to lead coverage of major global events while also producing explanatory content for readers.
"Kendra's collaborative spirit, her rigor and her start-up sensibility have made her a driving force in The Post's daily round-the-world relay that hands responsibilities from Washington to Seoul to London and back to Washington again."
This appointment comes at a time when The Post continues to evolve its digital presence. In 2020, the newspaper launched Post Live, a 24/7 online news channel, further expanding its reach and ability to provide timely news coverage. The Post's digital transformation has been significant since launching its website in 1996, with the newspaper surpassing 3 million digital subscribers in 2021.
The Washington Post's commitment to global journalism is evident in its history of breaking major international stories. Perhaps most famously, the newspaper played a crucial role in exposing the Watergate scandal, which led to significant political changes in the United States. This tradition of impactful reporting is encapsulated in The Post's motto, "Democracy Dies in Darkness," adopted in 2017.
As Nichols prepares to take on her new role, she will be building on a legacy of journalistic excellence that includes 69 Pulitzer Prizes. Her appointment represents another step forward in The Post's ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive, timely, and insightful news coverage to a global audience.