Los Angeles Times Names Terry Tang Executive Editor Officially

The Los Angeles Times is removing “interim” from executive editor Terry Tang’s job title.

The newspaper announced on Monday that it was making things official with its former editorial page editor, who was elevated to the leadership role on a provisional basis in January. “We’re thrilled to have Terry Tang leading the L.A. Times newsroom,” owners Patrick and Michele Soon-Shiong said in a statement. “We made a decision in December to make changes in leadership to revitalize the L.A. Times. Terry in short order has demonstrated the capability of building on our legacy of excellence in journalism with stories that matter.”

In particular, the Soon-Shiongs highlighted Tang’s comprehension of their mission to make the paper “a thriving pillar of democracy” and to highlight the “issues that matter most, especially for those whose voices are often unheard.” Tang also understands that the paper must build new audiences and “better engage with our readers,” the owners stated, in order to make its business sustainable.

Taking the helm during a period of intense turbulence in media and at the Times itself, Tang is now formally the first woman to lead the Times‘ newsroom. In the months since she was first named interim executive editor, Tang has promoted former deputy managing editor for California and metro Hector Becerra to managing editor and former city editor Maria L. La Ganga to Becerra’s former role. Tang has also continued to oversee the opinion section during this time and is set to continue to do so under her official leadership role.

“The Los Angeles Times and its superb journalists make a difference every day in the life of California and this nation,” Tang said in a statement. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to lead an institution that serves our community and to make our work indispensable to our readers.”

More to come.