Philana Patterson named as Religion News Service’s Chief Content Officer

(RNS) — Religion News Service (RNS) announced today that Philana Patterson has joined the news organization as Chief Content Officer, effective Sept. 14.

In the newly created position, Patterson will oversee editorial production across all formats, including the website, social media, video, podcasts, newsletters and live events.

A journalist and newsroom leader with more than two decades of experience, Patterson previously was the head of news audio at The Wall Street Journal, where she oversaw strategy, production and editorial direction of the podcast division. She also has held leadership roles at USA Today, The Associated Press and Black Enterprise.

“Philana has spent more than 20 years editing and producing journalism that shapes conversations, and she brings the range and the standards this kind of reporting demands. At RNS she’ll lead our journalism across every format, at a moment when religion is central to the country’s biggest stories. She’s the leader RNS needs for this next phase, and I’m thrilled she’s joining us,” said Deborah Caldwell, CEO and Publisher of RNS.

Patterson said, “RNS offers a rare opportunity to think entrepreneurially about how we reach…