Examining WSJ’s Ball, now in charge of features

Oliver Darcy of Status writes about Sarah Ball, who has been elevated at The Wall Street Journal to oversee features, and her troubles with past staff.

Darcy writes, “In a statement to Status, Ball expressed gratitude for her colleagues, but seemed to acknowledge some unease within the section. ‘I love our team, whose soaring results speak for themselves,’ she said, adding: ‘Change is difficult for every newsroom as audience needs evolve. I recognize that I’ve made some big changes, and not everyone will view that as an opportunity. But I couldn’t have more confidence in the team we have today and our exciting plans to expand our reach.’

“To be sure, some current and former Journal staffers told Status that they had positive experiences working with Ball—but notably, all of those individuals held senior positions at the company. Several of those who worked under Ball and spoke to Status described a different reality, saying that while she was skilled at managing up, she had less positive relationships with her own staff. Three people who worked with Ball said her primary motivation appeared to be climbing the corporate ladder, an impulse that seemed to inform decisions that she made.

“Former staffers said that Ball could be charming—one described her ‘on the surface’ as ‘pleasant, enthusiastic, and encouraging.’ But they said that demeanor often shifted quickly, particularly toward those who dissented or took positions that ran counter to hers, including people with whom she had previously had strong working relationships. ‘People didn’t mind working for her, but then she turns on you and either fires you or pushes you out or retaliates against you,’ the former staffer added to Status.”

Read more here. A subscription is required. Ball also oversees the Style section and WSJ. Magazine.