AP seeks more complete, contextualized reporting with new DC editor

With the appointment of a new editor who will coordinate coverage between Washington and bureaus around the country, the Associated Press is embarking on a plan to report on the federal government and national issues in a more complete, contextualized way, rather than relying on the view from Washington.

In her new post as an assistant Washington bureau chief, Wendy Benjaminson will supervise a dozen regional reporters who cover beats that align with their geographies. But unlike her predecessor, she will seek ways to connect those reporters to bureaus around the country, where AP reporters often find themselves working on similar stories — but from a different perspective. Benjaminson said she hopes to identify trends earlier and capitalize on the source networks of reporters based in Washington and the states, resulting in a “larger, smarter story that can not only go in the local paper but can go national as well.” “She will be charged with spotting trends and coordinating reporting from the states and from the nation’s capital on issues such as spending and deficits, immigration, pensions and Medicaid,” the AP said.