The Wall Street Journal announced a key media hire on Tuesday. Samantha Henig will join as its new Head of Multimedia.
What We Know: Samantha Henig will begin her new role on Tuesday, September 8. She’ll oversee the publication’s Audio and Video departments in a newly created leadership position. The move adds an accomplished digital executive to The Wall Street Journal as it continues expanding its multimedia efforts. Previously, Henig founded the Audio division at The New York Times, helping build one of podcasting’s most influential networks. Before that, she served as Editor-in-Chief of BuzzFeed News. In a memo to staffers, Editor-in-Chief Emma Tucker shared her excitement for the move.
What They Said: “I’m pleased to share that Samantha Henig will join The Wall Street Journal as Head of Multimedia, overseeing the Audio and Video departments in a newly created role. Sam is an experienced media strategist and editorial leader. She will set the team’s editorial direction, develop our portfolio and align our resources with our broader audience and commercial goals.” -Emma Tucker
What Remains Unclear: The company hasn’t detailed Henig’s immediate priorities after she starts in September. Likewise, it hasn’t outlined whether additional staffing, new programming, or expanded podcast and video initiatives will accompany the leadership change.
What It Means: Henig’s hiring gives The Wall Street Journal an executive with a proven record of building successful operations. Her experience at The New York Times aligns with the industry’s continued emphasis on growing audiences through podcasts and video. As traditional publishers diversify beyond text, her arrival could accelerate The Wall Street Journal‘s efforts to strengthen its multimedia portfolio and expand commercial opportunities.
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Garrett Searight is Barrett Media’s News Editor, which includes writing daily news stories, features, and opinion columns. He joined Barrett Media in 2022 after a decade leading several radio brands in several formats, as well as a 5-year stint working in local television. In addition to his work with Barrett Media, he is a radio and TV play-by-play broadcaster. Reach out to him at Garrett@BarrettMedia.com.