Expect to get reacquainted with its brand of hyperlocal content, because in an interview with Crain’s Cleveland Business, Patch editor-in-chief Warren St. John said that the network of websites (formerly an AOL affiliate) has hired a reporter to cover its 19 Ohio sites.
Leeann Teagno, a Kent State alum and digital marketing type who has worked for a diverse roster of companies in Northeast Ohio and Chicagoland, will spearhead the local editorial operations.
“The one town-one editor model wasn’t sustainable for the company, but Patch could grow the local team in the future,” St. John told Crain’s. “The site will also draw support from the breaking news desk in New York and will likely make use of freelancers. There aren’t current plans to add local salespeople.”
Sounds like a real “lean” and “high-metabolism” outfit, and one which gleefully touts its “start-up” vibe to boot. In general, we’re delighted by more reporters covering Cleveland — this town needs them more desperately than ever — but our hearts goes out to Teagno, who must now keep something like editorial tabs on points as diverse as North Canton, Mentor and Avon Lake.
Godspeed.
This article appears in Mar 2-8, 2016.
