ESPN has just announced that it has hired Amy DuBois Barnett as executive editor of its new Jason Whitlock-led website geared toward African Americans.
Outside of Whitlock's mentioning the site a year ago shortly after he'd returned to ESPN as a columnist, there has been little word from the Worldwide Leader on the status of what Whitlock calls "Black Grantland." The website was supposed to be formally announced in February, and when it wasn't there were doubts as to whether the site would exist, and when, and in what form. We now know that the site is definitely happening, and that ESPN is getting closer to getting the site off the ground. Barnett will manage the site on a daily basis. She'd served as editor-in-chief of Ebony until stepping down in April. Before that, she was deputy editor of Harper's Bazaar, managing editor of Teen People, and editor-in-chief of Honey.
Here are some words from ESPN on the hire:
"Amy's impressive resume across a wide range of publications and brands, as well as her leadership experience, will ensure that the site will be at the forefront of news and commentary relevant to African-Americans," said Whitlock. "Together, we aim to serve audiences with quality and innovative journalism when the site debuts."
"We continue to attract highly-acclaimed editors that bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the ESPN Digital & Print Media team, and Amy is a prime example," added Patrick Stiegman, vice president and editorial director, ESPN Digital & Print Media. "She and Jason are building a tremendous team that will speak to, entertain, inform and serve African-American audiences about sports and culture."
This is exciting news, even if all this is happening under the aegis of Jason Whitlock. Below is our story from June about the prospect of a black-interest site run by Whitlock.