AP biz reporters shuffle beats

Associated Press business editor Lisa Gibbs sent out the following announcement to the staff:

Hey everyone, a few announcements:

First, Ken Sweet is going to take on the banking beat.

As you all probably know, for a while now the markets team and a cast of others have been dividing responsibilities for this coverage. Ken has already begun the work of meeting with trade groups and getting sourced up on all things related to, as I’ve been referring to it, the “business of savings and debt.” Please send things related to lending, credit cards, credit scoring, mobile banking etc. his way.

Alex Veiga will refocus on the housing beat, scouring for trends on buying, selling, renting and building strategies impacting homeowners and renters. As part of this work, Alex will be the point person for the news bureaus when they see local trends relating to real estate out of their regions. (Josh Boak will continue to produce data-driven housing market analysis, particularly as it relates to broad economic topics.)

Alex and Ken will continue to have responsibilities relating to financial markets coverage as part of that team; this is an ongoing transition.

All these moves are important steps to address customers’ desire for stories of wide general consumer interest.

Thanks to all, Lisa