John Yemma named Monitor editor

John Yemma was named editor of The Christian Science Monitor Monday, succeeding Richard Bergenheim who was named editor at large.

Mr. Yemma is rejoining the Monitor in mid-July after 20 years at the Boston Globe, most recently as deputy managing editor for multimedia. Mr. Bergenheim, in his new role, will focus on strengthening the Monitor's base of support among readers and potential subscribers.

The new appointments were announced Monday at a newsroom staff meeting by Mary Trammell, editor in chief of The Christian Science Publishing Society and a member of The Christian Science Board of Directors.

"We are delighted a journalist of John Yemma's professional stature and multi-media experience is returning to help launch the Monitor into its second century," Mrs. Trammell said. In November, the Monitor will mark 100 years of continuous publication.

"At the same time, Richard's profound understanding of the Monitor's mission and his sterling example of unselfish service make him uniquely qualified to rally support for the Monitor and our other publications among church members and friends at a time when that support is greatly needed," Trammell said.

Yemma responded by noting that, "The Monitor has been a beacon of smart, thoughtful journalism for the past 100 years. I am honored to have been chosen as the editor who will take it into its second century."

"I applaud John's selection as editor," Bergenheim said. "He's an accomplished journalist who believes deeply in the Monitor's ideals and in its future."

Judy Wolff, chair of the Publishing Society's three-person Board of Trustees saluted Bergenheim and then added, "John's impressively varied experience will be an enormous help in the Monitor's multiplatform future. The Trustees are delighted to have him on board."

The new editor brings a wide range of experience to the post. From 1979 to 1989 he served the Monitor as a Washington correspondent, as Middle East correspondent, and as business editor. At the Globe, he held various positions including foreign editor and Sunday editor. Yemma has also worked for the Dallas Morning News and United Press International.

For the past 2-1/2 years, the Monitor's new editor has overseen editorial operations of the Globe's ambitious Boston.com Internet site and has led efforts to transform the newsroom from print to multi-media. That experience will be crucial in his new job. The Monitor's website, csmonitor.com, is seen as a key component of the Monitor's daily journalism in a digital information era.

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