Politico has named Adam Wren, Dasha Burns, and Will Steakin as co-authors for its Playbook newsletter as part of a planned relaunch [1].
This restructuring represents a shift in how the publication manages its most influential political product. By expanding the authorship team and adding a dedicated editor, Politico aims to increase editorial depth and reclaim the spirit of the original newsletter [2].
The new co-authorship began on Monday, July 20 [1]. For the first time, the publication has appointed a dedicated editor, Mike Zapler, to oversee the project [2]. While some reports indicate the team consists of three co-authors [1], other accounts state the newsletter will have four authors in total [2].
The move is designed to refresh the product and bring back specific elements that defined the early days of the publication. Tara Palmeri said, "I want to bring some of the old Playbook back" [2].
These changes serve as a precursor to a comprehensive relaunch scheduled for Aug. 31 [1]. The expansion of the team is intended to provide more comprehensive coverage and a more robust editorial process for the daily briefing delivered to policymakers in the U.S. capital.
The restructuring comes as the news organization seeks to maintain its grip on the Washington D.C. political circuit. By shifting from a more centralized authorship model to a collaborative team, the publication can leverage a wider array of beats and sources to inform its readers.
“I want to bring some of the old Playbook back.”
The transition to a multi-author model suggests that the 'single-voice' era of political newsletters is evolving toward a team-based approach. By adding a dedicated editor and multiple co-authors, Politico is institutionalizing the Playbook brand to ensure sustainability and depth, reducing the reliance on a single star journalist while attempting to recapture the agility of its early iterations.
