Solomon, New 'Wash Times' Editor, Comes From 'Wash Post'

By: Joe Strupp The Washington Times went across town for its new executive editor, tapping John F. Solomon of The Washington Post, a veteran investigative reporter. He replaces Wesley R. Pruden, who has spent 25 years at the Times, 16 as top editor.

"Solomon brings to the newsroom leadership over two decades of journalism experience, with a strong background in investigative reporting and managing interactive digital content," the Times said in a release.

Adds Times President Thomas P. McDevitt: "John Solomon's appointment is a great step forward for The Washington Times, and is good news for our readers, staff and advertisers. He is a working journalist, innovative manager, and skilled leader who can navigate the complicated media landscape while maintaining traditional news values and credibility."

The Times announcement stated that "Solomon comes from The Washington Post, where he has helped lead its national investigative reporting by producing scores of front-page stories and cross-platform Web and TV productions that have had widespread impact. His recent work has exposed the new Congress' efforts to hide earmarks and divulged problems with the FBI use of anti-terrorism tools and forensic science."

Solomon previously worked for The Associated Press as director of multimedia investigative reporting, assistant bureau chief, news editor and reporter.

"I look forward to leading one of the nation's great newsrooms at The Washington Times, and to joining a team that has carefully thought about the future and is committed to building a truly converged, multimedia news enterprise," Solomon said in a statement. "In the months to come, our readers and viewers will see a redesigned web site, the launch of some exciting new editorial products and focused outreach to an expanded audience. These are dynamic times, and I am excited for this unprecedented opportunity."

Despite his departure, Pruden will continue his popular column, "Pruden on Politics," the paper said.

"All good things come to an end, and so I take my leave after 25 years with The Washington Times," Pruden said in a statement. "They said we would last six weeks, and now, a quarter of a century later, we're strong, brighter, bolder than ever and the newspaper is embarked on great change."

On Solomon, Pruden says: "I look forward to what he builds on the remarkable legacy he inherits. We've built our reputation by being the fearless alternative to The Post and the mainstream media -- rowdy, independent, and politically incorrect by design and I've been assured that won't change."
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