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 After three years as Editor-in-Chief of J-Source, Ivor Shapiro plans to step down in December, and the search for his replacement has begun.J-Source and its sister site, ProjetJ, were conceived three and a half years ago, and my, how they've grown. As one of a small band of proud parents, I have had the unforgettable privilege of leading J-Source's strong, committed and ever-growing editorial team through the site's birth and rapid growth, but now it's time to focus on other responsibilities and make sure J-Source keeps breathing fresh air. In December, I will be stepping down as editor-in-chief and the search for my replacement has begun. It's the best of times for a helm change. As the project's reputation expands, journalists' most common response when we reach out and ask them to contribute has changed from "J-Source? What's that?" to "J-Source – sure!" We've become accustomed to seeing reporters, editors and producers in and outside of newsrooms far and near joining our discussions or emailing us with advice and suggestions. We're getting used to the idea of jumping on a developing story – a federal election, a 'flu outbreak—to offer resources and analysis. Our posts are featured frequently on blogs, feeds and sites originating in this country and abroad. Our own Twitter feed has attracted a growing following, and our newsletter subscription list grows steadily week by week. Do we need more growth and fresh ideas? Absolutely. This is a time as none before to be thinking fresh thoughts on, and spreading news about, journalism—its practice and practitioners, its stories and its future. Helping journalists stay on top of trends, innovations, legal shifts and ethical issues, and helping journalism scholars to connect with one another and share ideas and research in a time of revolutionary change, will be top-of-mind for J-Source editors under the new EIC's leadership. As the job description spells out, the editorial team looks to the EIC to ensure that the site stays on top of and ahead of issues facing journalism and continues to grow as a place for journalists and their fellow-travellers to make connections and help one another out. The EIC supervises the site's full-time associate editor, and works with section editors and contributing editors to make sure content remains fresh, innovative, interactive and, above all, useful to Canadian journalists and those who study and follow the field. We call it a "job description," but the word "job" both overstates and understates the case. The post of EIC is, and will remain, a labour of love, demanding about 10 hours a week on average. As with the other editors and contributing editors, the EIC's work is an expression of commitment to the vision of a Web space offering news, commentary and help for journalists, and for those studying, teaching or following journalism in this country. That said, the new incumbent's commitment will be partially acknowledged in the form of either a funded teaching release (paid to j-schools in return for professors' dedicated time) or an honorarium - in each case, to a maximum of $7,500. These funds will come from the Canadian Journalism Foundation, which has sustained this project from the start with staff support, project management, and technological, logistical and promotional support, in collaboration with journalism schools and organizations that offer faculty time and other non-pecuniary resources. I hope many who read this will consider the possibility that a commitment as EIC of J-Source might be a fitting next step on their journeys. I can tell you: it's not just a lot of work – it's a lot of fun, too. On a personal note: while leaving the EIC's chair, I won't be going far. I'll stay on as the co-chair in charge of editorial matters for the Canadian Journalism Project's management committee, which takes care of both J-Source and ProjetJ. I'll also be taking over the editorship of J-Source's ethics section from Stephen Ward, an extension of my new position as chair of the ethics committee of the Canadian Association of Journalists. But to the many fans of Stephen's regular columns, have no fear: Ward's Words are staying right here, along with the news, columns, resources and listings that J-Source will continue to provide in the coming years. The best is yet to come. Ivor Shapiro is an associate professor at Ryerson University's School of Journalism, and (for a few more months) editor-in-chief of J-Source. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gee, a whole $7500 a year? You've got to be freaking kidding. Or did you miss a numeral?