Ron Fournier to Join National Journal Group as Editor-in-Chief

WASHINGTON, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlantic Media Company announced today that nationally-acclaimed journalist Ron Fournier will join the firm in the newly-created position of editor-in-chief of the National Journal Group. He will oversee the editorial operations of a unified newsroom that will include NationalJournal.com, National Journal magazine, CongressDaily, National Journal's The Hotline, the Almanac of American Politics, Global Security Newswire and National Journal LIVE.  Fournier will direct editorial strategy and execution for National Journal Group's products across all platforms: web, print, video and live events.

"For my ten years in media, Ron's name has been whispered to me as in that handful of finest political reporters and editors who have worked Washington – maybe ever," said David Bradley, chairman of Atlantic Media Company, the parent company of National Journal Group. "Ron steps forward at an aggressive, competitive hour in journalism – as if wired by nature for this leadership role."

Fournier joins National Journal Group from the Associated Press (AP), where he is chief of the Washington, D.C., bureau.  During his 20 years at the AP, he has covered the White House, national politics and served as its Washington, D.C., online political editor.  During that time he built a reputation as one of the country's most respected political journalists. Fournier has won numerous awards for his work, including the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi Award for coverage of the 2000 elections.  He has been awarded the prestigious White House Correspondents Association Merriman Smith award four times for coverage of the 2004 elections; the attacks of September 11, 2001, from the perspective of the White House; and the Clinton White House.

Fournier assumes the role of editor-in-chief for the National Journal Group at an exciting period of change and growth in the publication's distinguished history. Fournier will lead all aspects of the National Journal Group's editorial transformation, building upon its reputation for unique intelligence and depth and infusing it with energy, currency and speed.

"Ron brings exactly the right combination of skills and experiences to the challenge at hand," said Justin B. Smith, president of the Atlantic Media Company. "As one of the savviest political journalists of his generation, Ron Fournier's leadership will further enhance National Journal's premium position in the market."

About National Journal Group

Since 1969, National Journal Group has provided insight for insiders through nonpartisan reporting on current political and policy issues as well as tools professionals need to do their jobs well. National Journal Group properties include National Journal, CongressDaily, NationalJournal.com, The Hotline, The Almanac of American Politics, National Journal LIVE and Global Security Newswire.  It partners with WETA to produce "Washington Week With Gwen Ifill and National Journal."

SOURCE National Journal Group