ESPN Names Jim Brady as Public Editor to Replace Ombudsman Position

Jim Brady has been named as the new ESPN Public Editor, the role that will replace the position formerly known as the Ombudsman. That position has been vacant since Robert Lipsyte’s term ended in early December of 2014, and we noted last month all the issues that have taken place at the company while there has been no ombudsman. Shortly after that, we also criticized the network’s handling of Ray Lewis promoting his book across their formats and being allowed to do so uncritically. The company also has gone through massive layoffs and shuttered the Grantland site in the last few weeks.

Presumably, none of these issues will be covered by the public editor unless he wants to address past issues prior to his appointment.

In explaining the change to the term “public editor,” ESPN said:

“We are updating the title to ‘public editor’ to better reflect the goal of transparency and advocacy for fans, especially in this increasingly multimedia world,” Stiegman said. “And given the multitude of touch points we have with our audience, it’s imperative that the public editor have the breadth of experience and journalistic credibility to serve as an advocate and explainer for fans across all media.”

Brady is CEO of Spirited Media, which operates Billy Penn in Philadelphia, and is also a veteran of the Washington Post. His term will be for 18 months, beginning on November 18th.