The Washington Post, a renowned publication with a rich history dating back to 1877, has announced significant changes to its Copy Desk management. In a move aimed at enhancing its multiplatform editing capabilities, the newspaper has appointed Brian Cleveland to the role of multiplatform editing chief.
Cleveland, who has been with The Post for 12 years, will lead a team of 49 copy editors responsible for editing a wide range of content across various platforms. This includes news stories, features, newsletters, and alerts, as well as transmitting stories for the News Service. The Post, which has won 69 Pulitzer Prizes throughout its history, continues to adapt to the evolving media landscape.
During his tenure at The Post, Cleveland has been instrumental in modernizing the Copy Desk's operations. He has implemented streamlined workflows, integrated new technologies, and contributed to updates of the Stylebook. These efforts align with The Post's commitment to innovation, which began with its early adoption of color photography and continued with the launch of its website in 1996.
Colleagues describe Cleveland as a compassionate and empathetic leader who excels at finding efficiencies to improve work processes. His strong relationships throughout the newsroom have made him a key figure in ongoing discussions about workflow and production changes. This collaborative approach reflects The Post's tradition of fostering a dynamic work environment, which has been a hallmark of the publication since it hired its first woman reporter in 1898.
Prior to joining The Post, Cleveland served as the copy desk chief at the Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk and worked as a copy editor at the Duluth News Tribune in Minnesota. His educational background includes a degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, preparing him for a career in an industry that has seen significant changes since The Post's founding.
Cleveland's appointment comes at a time when The Post continues to expand its global reach. With bureaus in 14 countries and content published in multiple languages, including Spanish and Arabic, the newspaper has evolved far beyond its Washington, D.C. headquarters. This growth mirrors the publication's increasing digital presence, with digital subscriptions surpassing 1 million in 2017.
The Washington Post, which has been owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos since 2013, maintains its commitment to quality journalism and innovation. As the newspaper that played a crucial role in exposing the Watergate scandal and was the first to call for Nixon's resignation, The Post continues to uphold its motto, "Democracy Dies in Darkness," in the digital age.
Cleveland's leadership of the Copy Desk is expected to further strengthen The Post's reputation for accuracy and efficiency in content delivery across all platforms. As the media landscape continues to evolve, The Washington Post remains at the forefront of journalistic excellence and technological adaptation.