George Langford, public editor at the Chicago Tribune, plays a major role in the effort to reduce errors at the paper, deals with correction requests and sits on the editorial board. Langford mediates disputes, enforces policy, and is involved in the newsroom. Edmonson also studies the daily paper and provides a detailed note on the quality of that issue. He sees his role as providing a central place for readers to call, whatever their needs, and a way to make sure the staff hears. He sees a practical benefit.
Credibility is enhanced because corrections are published.
The reader advocate at The Arizona Republic in Phoenix was appointed by Pam Johnson, the executive editor, because she felt it was important for the credibility of the newspaper at a time of great change in the community. Richard de Uriarte sees himself as a link for the community with the newsroom, not an in-house critic. He believes his job helps foster that. San Diego's reader representative, Lubrano, sees herself in the middle. I may represent the reader, but I am independent in my assessments.