USA Today Editor-in-Chief to Depart

The editor-in-chief of USA Today, Karen Bohan, is set to leave the publication after less than a year in the position. Bohan, who had been with USA Today since 2018, was appointed to the role in September 2024, but her tenure will be short-lived.

Monica Richardson, Senior Vice President at USA Today, expressed gratitude for Bohan’s time at the company, highlighting her valued contributions. However, a spokesperson for the newspaper opted not to provide additional remarks.

New Interim Leadership

In response to Bohan’s departure, Michael McCarter, the group editor for opinion columns at USA Today, will step in as interim editor-in-chief. This change follows a trend observed in recent years, where Bohan’s predecessor, Terrence Samuel, also had a brief tenure, taking over in July 2023 before leaving in July 2024. Interestingly, McCarter had previously served as interim editor-in-chief before Samuel’s appointment.

Changes Within Gannett

Gannett, the parent company of USA Today, has faced significant challenges in recent times, experiencing financial difficulties like many other newspaper companies. Over three years, Gannett reportedly reduced its workforce by around 47%, which has raised concerns about the future of journalism at the company.

In attempts to counter criticisms of perceived political bias, Gannett made the decision to trim down its opinion sections. In 2022, editors recognized a shift in reader preferences, stating that their audience was looking for unbiased reporting rather than opinionated articles.

Upcoming Presidential Election

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, USA Today, alongside outlets like the Washington Post and Los Angeles Times, decided not to endorse any candidates. A spokesperson for USA Today noted that while national endorsements are off the table, local editors still have the freedom to endorse at their discretion, emphasizing the belief that significant political choices occur at the local level.