Gannett Welcomes Veteran Journalist Wendy Naugle as New USA Today Managing Editor

Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 10:35 GMT by USA TODAY
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The media landscape is shifting again, and this time it’s a familiar face stepping into a key leadership role at USA Today. Wendy Naugle, a seasoned journalist with an impressive track record spanning decades at The Wall Street Journal, has joined Gannett, the parent company of USA Today, as its new managing editor. Her arrival signals a renewed focus on digital innovation and audience engagement for the national news outlet.

Naugle’s appointment, announced earlier this week, marks a significant moment for both Gannett and the journalism industry. She replaces Jeff Larson, who served in the role for five years before transitioning to a different position within the company. The move comes as USA Today continues its efforts to adapt to the evolving news consumption habits of modern audiences, particularly emphasizing digital platforms and video content.

For over 30 years, Naugle honed her skills at The Wall Street Journal, rising through the ranks from reporter to ultimately serving as its deputy editor for features. Her tenure there was marked by a commitment to in-depth reporting and compelling storytelling across diverse topics, including business, technology, and culture. She spearheaded numerous investigative projects and consistently championed innovative approaches to news presentation. Notably, she played a crucial role in the Journal’s digital transformation, recognizing early on the importance of online platforms and mobile accessibility. Her experience extends beyond traditional print journalism; Naugle has been instrumental in developing multimedia content, podcasts, and interactive graphics – all vital components of modern news delivery.

"Wendy brings an extraordinary wealth of experience and a proven track record of leading successful teams," stated Chris Wellman, CEO of Gannett, in the official announcement. "Her deep understanding of journalism, combined with her digital expertise, will be invaluable as we continue to evolve USA Today for our readers and audiences."

The challenges facing USA Today are considerable. Like many news organizations, it grapples with declining print readership and the need to generate sustainable revenue streams in a digital age. Gannett has been actively pursuing strategies to diversify its income, including subscription models and branded content partnerships. Naugle’s expertise in digital innovation is expected to be crucial in navigating these complexities and identifying new opportunities for growth.

One of her immediate priorities will likely involve strengthening USA Today's video capabilities. The article highlights the growing importance of short-form video content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and suggests that Naugle will focus on expanding USA Today’s presence in this space. This includes exploring ways to leverage user-generated content and create engaging visual narratives that resonate with younger audiences.

Furthermore, Naugle is expected to foster a culture of experimentation within the newsroom, encouraging reporters and editors to explore new storytelling formats and embrace emerging technologies. Her experience at The Wall Street Journal suggests she’ll prioritize data-driven decision making, using analytics to understand audience behavior and optimize content performance. This means paying close attention to what stories resonate with readers, how they consume information, and tailoring the news presentation accordingly.

The appointment also signals a potential shift in editorial direction for USA Today. While maintaining its commitment to factual reporting and unbiased coverage, Naugle’s background suggests a possible emphasis on more feature-driven journalism – longer, more immersive pieces that delve deeper into complex issues. This could involve expanding coverage of topics like climate change, social justice, and technological innovation, all areas where she has demonstrated expertise throughout her career.

The arrival of Wendy Naugle at USA Today represents a significant investment in the future of the publication. Her leadership is expected to drive digital transformation, enhance audience engagement, and ultimately strengthen USA Today’s position as a leading source of news and information for Americans. The coming months will be crucial as she assesses the current landscape, identifies areas for improvement, and begins implementing her vision for the future of USA Today. The industry – and particularly Gannett – will be watching closely to see how this experienced journalist shapes the direction of one of America’s most recognizable news brands.

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Gannett Welcomes Veteran Journalist Wendy Naugle as New USA Today Managing Editor

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