Editorial: A letter from our new editors

The New Political executive staff has named Kat Tenbarge Editor-in-Chief for the 2017-18 academic year. Marianne Dodson and Connor Perrett were selected to be Managing Editor and Digital Managing Editor, respectively. The following editorial reflects the joint vision of the new top-tier editors. Dear Athens,The effects of the United States' political system are significant, whether in the form of an executive order from Washington that limits international travel or a decision by Athens City Council to construct a new swimming pool.In the age of alternative facts, political reporting has become crucial. In response, The New Political is readying itself for changes that will revolutionize our content.Our vision has always been to make politics approachable for our audience. From live tweeting a campus protest to explaining bills at the Ohio Statehouse, we provide honest, independent coverage. With our appointment to the top-tier roles in the publication’s executive staff, we plan to adapt our platform to best provide news and information you need to know in the voting booth.Name recognition on campus is important to us. Behind the news, The New Political is a platform built by friendship. Our lofty ambitions are driven by a growing staff of dedicated reporters and an audience eager to hear what we have to say. Our main goal is to appeal both to students with serious journalistic intentions and receptive readers and watchers. We want to build a secure trust with diverse members of the public so that you feel free to direct us toward stories that matter to you.[AdSense-A]Our website will go dark on May 1, and we will begin working from then through August to enhance our digital platform. The new design will follow the same principles of simplicity and accessibility that have guided The New Political since our start six years ago. But the transformation will bring the multimedia content that has identified our brand into the forefront. It will allow for a more in-depth and immersive storytelling experience for our readers.While we will continue to be a digital-first publication, The New Political will launch a print product this fall. The first edition of the New Political Magazine will be a back-to-school issue distributed in August. The magazine will feature in-depth interviews and longform stories next to the news content you expect. Our first commitment is to the web, so the edition will be available online, along with multimedia additions not possible in a physical copy.All of the above has led us to adopt our tagline and mission statement to reflect our core values. The New Political is an independent voice for Athens. We will return this fall to educate and empower the public to form opinions and take action.It is an honor to head this publication as its core editors. We are ready to make The New Political one of the loudest and most respected outlets on campus and your go-to publication for fierce and truthful journalism.Sincerely,Kat Tenbarge, Editor-in-ChiefMarianne Dodson, Managing EditorConnor Perrett, Digital Managing Editor