New editor appointed for Guardian's US website

by Jacquie Bowser, Brand Republic 04-May-07, 11:30

LONDON - Political commentator Michael Tomasky has been appointed editor of Guardian America, The Guardian's new US website.

Tomasky, who is based in Washington, starts the new role on May 7.

He will oversee the plans for the site, which include enhanced coverage of American news stories, a greater focus on international stories of key interest to the US audience, and the development of an America-focused front page.

Alan Rusbridger, editor of The Guardian, said: "We already have a substantial and growing US audience and Michael's skills and experience will enable us to build on this success."

Tomasky said: "I'm thrilled to be joining The Guardian. It has a great tradition, one of the greatest in English-language journalism. And Alan's vision of its future is very exciting. I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to play a role in it."

From 2003 to 2006 Tomasky was the editor of The American Prospect, a Washington-based liberal political magazine, and from 1995 he was chief political columnist of New York magazine. He has also worked for The Village Voice and The New York Observer.

Tomasky is the author of two political books, including 'Hillary's Turn: Inside her improbable, victorious senate campaign'.

According to the latest ABCe figures, the Guardian Unlimited website attracted 15.1m unique users in March and 31% (4,649,304) of these were from the US.