British Paper Names First Female Chief In Its 194 Years

Three cheers for The Guardian — the British newspaper has appointed its very first female editor-in-chief. It only took 194 years.  The paper's owner, The Scott Trust, announced today that Katharine Viner will take over from outgoing EIC Alan Rusbridger, who is leaving after 20 years in the role. Viner, who currently holds the title of Guardian deputy editor and Guardian U.S. editor-in-chief, will also oversee editorial operations at fellow British paper The Observer.  "Being editor-in-chief of The Guardian and Observer is an enormous privilege and responsibility, leading a first-class team of journalists revered around the world for outstanding reporting, independent thinking, incisive analysis, and digital innovation," Viner, who began her career at the paper in 1997, said in a statement. “Building on [Rusbridger's] track record, I intend to lead a media organization that is bold, challenging, open, and engaging," she added. "It will be a home for the most ambitious journalism, ideas, and events, setting the agenda and reaching out to readers all around the world.”   Viner's appointment isn't a total surprise; she'd emerged as first choice for the job in a poll of staffers earlier this month.  In addition to being the first female editor-in-chief in the paper's history, she is also the only female editor of a major U.K. daily, though competing publications have female editors on the weekend.