Norton named DTH’s next editor-in-chief

Junior Steven Norton was chosen Saturday to be the next editor-in-chief of The Daily Tar Heel.

Norton, now managing editor of the DTH, was selected from a pool of four candidates based on the practicality of his goals, knowledge of the newspaper and emphasis on teaching, members of the selection committee said.

“I wanted it to stand out that I would come in and improve on what exists and make sure that is what drives us next year,” Norton said.

The selection committee, which met Saturday morning, was made up of 11 voting members — a combination of students, University community members, a former DTH editor and members of the DTH news and advertising staff.

Members of the committee said the contest was competitive, with no clear frontrunner emerging until the end.

Ruby Sinreich, founder of the blog OrangePolitics and member of the committee, said the board had to vote three times for Norton to receive the necessary majority.

“He showed us that he would focus on operational improvements without making radical changes,” Sinreich said.

Norton’s platform focuses on staff training and reinvigorating the paper’s teaching mission.

Debra Beller, committee member and ITS communications specialist, said Norton’s focus on teaching was one of the reasons he was selected. She also said that Norton’s experience as managing editor would provide continuity.

“We were impressed with his knowledge of the paper,” Beller said. “We could tell that he has experience and listens and responds well to others.”

Helping the paper enhance its online presence was another aspect of Norton’s platform that impressed committee members.

“I want to do things online that no one thought we could ever do, even ourselves,” Norton said.

Ryan Barber, University editor and one of the four applicants for the position, said his initial disappointment was followed by relief because he knows Norton will do a great job.

“It means we will have someone who is a meticulous editor and scrutinizes stories,” Barber said. “Steven is easy to work with, and I would trust him 100 percent with my stories.”

Other applicants included Tori Stilwell, the city editor, and Jarrard Cole, the visual managing editor.

Aaron Taube, assistant sports editor, who was on the committee, said Norton will create a welcoming environment in the DTH newsroom.

“His love for the paper is apparent, and I hope his enthusiasm will be infectious,” he said.

Sarah Frier, the current editor- in-chief, said she has confidence in Norton’s leadership.

“He will serve the readers well,” she said.

Contact the University Editor at university@dailytarheel.com.