WSJ names new head of in-depth video unit

Wall Street Journal deputy managing editor and executive editor for online Alan Murray sent out the following staff promotion on Thursday:

I’m happy to announce that Andy Regal will be taking over as head of our in-depth video production unit, formerly headed by Shawn Bender.

Andy will oversee a growing team of skilled video package producers — including deputy editor Jill Kirschenbaum; Jason Bellini, who is returning to us from CNBC; Andy Jordan; Araby Williams; Linda Blake; Jarrard Cole; and Evan Simon.  He also will continue to work with Lee Hawkins on his “business of celebrity” interviews, and oversee various other video projects. The task of the in-depth group, simply put, will be to create great video from our best journalism, for viewing across a rapidly-growing family of partners and channels.  Andy & team will be seeking opportunities to team up with reporters on various projects, so please take their calls — or reach out to them, if you have ideas for compelling video.

Andy has served as an executive producer at CNBC and MSNBC.  He was part of the launch team at Court TV and was VP of original programming in charge of developing new programming and overseeing long form content.   He was also VP of original programming at College Sports Television which was sold to CBS, and most recently a founding member of Big Lead Sports, a digital sports media company, serving as EVP of programming and content.  Big Lead Sports was sold to Gannett earlier this year.  He has been working with us as a consultant since early May, and will report directly to me.

The video programming team headed by deputy editor Beckey Bright will report to Julie Iannuzzi, executive director of video. Joanne Po remains executive producer, live video.