Allentown eliminates biz editor position, combines biz with metro

The Allentown Morning-Call is merging its business news desk with its metro news operations and eliminating the business editor position, according to a memo detailing a major reorganization at the paper.

The business editor position has been open for some time. No current business editor is listed in the Society of American Business Editors and Writers membership roster.

UPDATE: A Morning Call staff member tells Talking Biz News: “The business editor’s position had been open since September. Mike Hirsch, the former business editor, was promoted to features department. The business editor and assistant business editor positions have been dissolved.” Eloise DeHaan was the assistant business editor. She has been reassigned to a universal copy desk.

Editor Ardith Hilliard wrote, “Business reporter Spencer Soper has been named an assistant metro editor/business, and will supervise all aspects of business news, including daily sections and Sunday Real Estate. We are pleased that Spencer has taken on this challenge — he has shown great accomplishment in both reporting and editing during his time here.

“The position of business editor is being eliminated and business news will be merged with the metro operation, with a core of reporters dedicated to this area. Spencer will report to Assistant Managing Editor/Metro Mike Miorelli. Spencer’s reporting position will not be filled.

“However, by merging the business coverage with our metro operation we make it a broader priority across the newsroom, calling on expertise throughout the editing and reporting operation as well as from the business staff. One open business reporter position will be filled.”

Read more here. Memo was posted on Romenesko.