WSJ names digital editor

Deputy managing editor and international/investing editor Matt Murray of The Wall Street Journal sent out the following staff announcement on Tuesday:

We’re pleased to announce another significant development in the digital transformation of the newsroom with the appointment of Shawn Bender as Digital Editor on the world desk.

Shawn will design, launch and oversee a new online news stream aiming to feature our most compelling content from around the globe, as well as original content—joining MarketsPulse and Corporate Intelligence in leveraging our Streaming Stories platform to provide a “latest news” experience for the web and mobile devices—and increase chances to read our unparalleled foreign coverage.

Shawn has been a leader in harnessing the storytelling power of our reporters and editors, most recently as Editorial Director in the Video Department, where he managed our “In-Depth” documentary unit and worked with Julie Iannuzzi on the launch of the News Hub live shows. Prior to that, he held positions in WSJ TV and was a Managing Editor of Dow Jones Newswires.

Most recently, Shawn has worked with Mark Schefflerin the creation of WorldStream, a innovative video blog that allows our reporters to file iPhone video clips of significant events, which are then embedded in stories, used in video packages, and provide b-roll for live shows.  Shawn will continue to oversee the growth and development of WorldStream.

Shawn will report to World Desk Editor Adam Horvath and work closely with the desk’s real-time deputy, Eduardo Kaplan, in an effort that we expect will significantly increase our digital presence and the reach of our best international journalism.  Please join us in congratulating him in this important new job.