Bankole Thompson: "I am proud of the work I have done as editor."
Author-journalist Bankole Thompson, the former editor of the Michigan Chronicle who left the paper recently after dealing with an ongoing tension with the publisher, is joining the The Detroit News as a contributing columnist.
The News announced the move on Wednesday's front page, quoting Thompson:
"I am glad to be on board with The Detroit News in writing a weekly column on issues that will resonate with readers of the newspaper including Detroiters who are looking for diverse perspectives. Detroit News publisher and editor Jonathan Wolman's invitation for me to engage with readers of the News in a weekly column underscores the importance of expanding the franchise of opinion journalism."
His column starts Thursday in the Think section.
Last month, Thompson left the Chronicle and wrote in a resignation letter:
"You had told me in no uncertain terms that your new vision for the Michigan Chronicle and Real Times Media has no place for me, and you concluded that it was high time we went our separate ways."
Thompson also wrote:
I endured great pains to maintain journalistic integrity, serving as editor of a paper whose parent company borrowed money from the city’s Pension Fund.
It was indeed difficult for me to do my job as editor when the publisher was in the headlines regarding questionable business deals.
