Wanted: One Cherokee Scout editor who toes the line

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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The Cherokee Scout made news around the nation in journalism circles recently regarding its handling of a public records request regarding gun permits. The resulting brewhaha resulted in the newspaper editor’s resignation.

Now the community newspaper is ready to hire a new editor. The job apparently has special requirements. JournalismJobs.com has the listing, but here’s the pertinent part:

Have you always wanted to be the editor so you can order the rest of the newsroom around while challenging the community with your extreme political views? Then this isn’t the job for you. Instead, we’re looking for an editor who knows how to tell good stories – the kind people will always make time to read – from breaking news to heartwarming features to in-depth reports.

In other words, don’t make waves. To me, that goes contrary to the very fiber of every reporter and editor, who should always be ready to question and challenge. Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable and all that.