The Lens has appointed Marta Jewson interim editor effective Oct. 10 as the organization launches a national search for a new permanent newsroom leader. 

“With the leadership of the founder and the strength of the staff we look forward to 2023 and new opportunities for all our reporting sectors including our new environment reporting,” Lens Founder Karen Gadbois said. “We wish Charles well in his new post and appreciate all his work in his years at The Lens.”

Jewson has served as the education reporter since 2014. Her award-winning work has included uncovering local graduation scandals, public record investigations and an unmatched close eye on charter schools. Jewson started working with The Lens in 2011 in its unique Charter School Reporting Corps program, which sent reporters to every charter school board meeting in the city. 

“Marta has been in the newsroom working closely with the editor and has the knowledge base to guide the newsroom as we do a national search,” Gadbois said. 

The Lens looks forward to continuing its work with a dedicated team of reporters covering city hall, criminal justice and an expanding environmental beat. The depth of knowledge of the staff and leadership at The Lens serves its readers well as does our team of experienced reporters. 

We also look forward to more opportunities to connect with readers and supporters by bringing back events and workshops as well as partnering with other news organizations. 

For starters, on October 6 there will be a local screening of “The Jim Crow Convictions” a project our criminal justice reporter Nick Chrastil worked on with Al Jazeera. For tickets click here.

We are also planning to host public records request workshops for the community again starting this fall.

We were the first online news nonprofit serving New Orleans and the region and we plan on continuing with your support.