WJCT launches local digital news operation, appoints new senior news editor

WJCT in Jacksonville, Florida, is launching a daily local digital news operation with the help of a $500,000 grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.

In addition, the Florida Blue Foundation, VyStar Credit Union, the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida and individuals have committed funds, for a total in grants and pledges of over $1 million.

The move comes as part of a strategic expansion by local public broadcasting.

CEO David McGowan said:

 “We believe that the nonprofit model for journalism is going to be a more and more important contributor to the local news ecosystem in cities around the country, and certainly right here in Jacksonville. We believe we are well equipped to meet that challenge.”

As part of the move, Pulitzer Prize-winning editor Randy Roguski has been appointed senior news editor.

Previously, he served as a content director, metro editor and business editor at the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He was also with The Plain Dealer in Cleveland/Akron, Ohio for over 17 years, where he has worked as a business editor, deputy business editor, deputy metro editor, medical editor and bureau chief.

He has also edited for The Chronicle-Telegram in Ohio, The St. Petersburg Times and The Daily Dispatch and Argus.

Read more here.