WSJ creating "real-time" news deputies

Wall Street Journal managing editor Robert Thomson sent out the following e-mail to the staff on Monday:

“We are creating ‘real-time’ news deputies for the Journal’s four breaking-news editing desks: Corporate, Money and Investing, National and World. They will work closely with Dow Jones Newswires and WSJ.com, be cognizant of the varying demands and opportunities of each medium, and further the integration that has allowed us to take advantage of emerging platforms such as the iPad.

“Initially, we will be seeking internal candidates for these positions, which will report to the desk chiefs with a secondary report to the chief news editor for WSJ.com and Newswires’ global news editor. The real-time deputies will have the authority to commission assignments and exercize leadership in various ways, They will:

– Drive coverage of their subjects on WSJ.com and Newswires.

– Be a conduit for wires copy, helping edit and prepare it for online and the paper

– Help oversee breaking news and develop ideas for longer-term projects.

“WSJ, WSJ.com and Newswires will be committing people to staff this effort, which builds on the success of Grainne McCarthy’s work developing our real-time markets coverage as chief global markets editor. The deputies’ role will be critical to our evolving mission and offers an opportunity to shape the global Journal’s contemporary approach to news.”