In a groundbreaking moment for The Daily Tar Heel, Laney Crawley has been chosen to serve as the 2024-25 editor-in-chief, becoming the first Black woman to hold this prestigious position in the newspaper’s 131-year history.
Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change
“I’m really happy that I can be a part of that change. I’m really happy to be the first, and I don’t want to be the last.”
Crawley, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, majoring in media and journalism and political science, expressed a mix of pride and disappointment upon her historic selection. While honored to be the first Black woman to lead The Daily Tar Heel, she acknowledged the long-overdue nature of this milestone.
For her fellow editors and co-workers, Crawley’s vibrant personality and welcoming presence have been synonymous with her signature pink ensembles, which she dons daily as she enters the newsroom.
A Platform for Positive Transformation
Crawley’s selection was based on her comprehensive platform, which aims to address pressing issues within the newsroom and foster a more inclusive and sustainable environment.
Key initiatives include tackling rising rates of editor burnout and turnover, improving compensation, and restructuring the newsroom’s investigative reporting and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
Additionally, Crawley plans to repair connections with the Black Student Movement and other underrepresented groups on campus, ensuring that The Daily Tar Heel’s coverage accurately reflects the diverse voices and experiences of the UNC community.
A Passion for Journalism and Advocacy
Crawley’s journey with The Daily Tar Heel began during her first semester at UNC, when she joined as a staff writer for the City & State desk.
She quickly rose through the ranks, serving as an assistant opinion editor last fall before her promotion to opinion editor this semester.
Her deep love for the newspaper and her commitment to its continued success were evident during the selection process, impressing the committee with her knowledge, passion, and vision for the future.
A Promising Future for The Daily Tar Heel
As Crawley prepares to assume her role as editor-in-chief this August, she is determined to implement the changes outlined in her platform and create a sustainable and fulfilling work environment for her fellow editors and staffers.
Her historic appointment not only marks a significant milestone for The Daily Tar Heel but also serves as a beacon of hope for increased diversity and representation within the journalism industry.
With Crawley at the helm, the newspaper is poised to embark on a transformative journey, amplifying underrepresented voices and setting a new standard for inclusive and impactful journalism.
