Sewell Chan to Join Columbia Journalism Review as Executive Editor

Sewell Chan, the editor in chief of The Texas Tribune, is set to take on a new role as the next executive editor of the Columbia Journalism Review, starting on September 16. The announcement was made by CJR on Thursday.

About Columbia Journalism Review

CJR, established in 1961 and affiliated with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, is a prominent publication covering the media industry. It currently publishes two magazines annually and operates a digital platform.

Chan’s Vision for CJR

In an interview with The New York Times, Sewell Chan expressed his vision for CJR, aiming for the publication to be a voice for journalists navigating challenges such as ownership changes, censorship, and online abuse. He emphasized the importance of fact-based news in today’s media landscape.

Previous Leadership at CJR

Sewell Chan will succeed Kyle Pope as the executive editor of CJR. Jelani Cobb, the dean of the Columbia Journalism School, praised Chan’s expertise in journalism and publishing, highlighting the need for CJR to address pressing issues in the industry.

Chan’s Background

Prior to his role at The Texas Tribune, Mr. Chan served as the editorial page editor at The Los Angeles Times and held various positions at The New York Times. He has been a board member at CJR since 2021.

Transition at The Texas Tribune

Following Chan’s departure, Matthew Watkins, a managing editor at The Texas Tribune, will assume the role of editor in chief. The Tribune’s chief executive, Sonal Shah, commended Watkins as a trusted leader who understands the stories relevant to Texans.