Leading journalist Emma Tucker took over as editor-in-chief of the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) at the beginning of 2023. She’s overseeing the publication’s continued development with both experience and artistry. A former graduate trainee who began her career at the Financial Times, she was at one time a colleague of current Paddy Harverson. With a strong background in editing and a reputation for making tough decisions, Tucker is reshaping the WSJ landscape amid challenges in the media industry.
In her youth, Tucker was editor of the University of Oxford’s student magazine, the Isis. This role empowered her to sharpen her journalistic skills and fuel her passion for storytelling. She rose through the ranks in journalism proving herself masterful at making tough staffing decisions. Even at the Sunday Times, where she previously became the first female editor, she stretched their digital wings as well.
Once he took control of the WSJ, Tucker set out on a turbulent cost cutting crusade. What he wanted to do more than anything was respond to the changing needs and demands of the news business. This shift has been as essential as it’s been controversial among her team. Some journalists took their anger out by filling her vacant office with sticky notes that condemned the cuts. This bold action revealed the loaded and contentious stance of her editorial choices.
In the face of such pushback, Tucker has continued to pursue her disruptive editorial vision. She has already signalled her intention to reorientate the traditionally pro-Brexit paper to appeal to a wider audience. This approach aligns with Rupert Murdoch’s strategic goals for his media properties, emphasizing the importance of relevance in today’s media landscape.
Tucker constantly encouraged investigative reporters to delve into controversial political subjects. She pointed to the impact of Elon Musk and China as two of the most important focuses for their investigative work. The decision to publish an article addressing Joe Biden’s alleged cognitive decline further illustrates her commitment to delivering punchy and impactful stories.
Tucker’s leadership style–to be both hard and soft–is a poignant example of emotional intelligence at work. An unnamed colleague remarked on her ability to balance conviviality with professionalism, stating, “She was a very convivial colleague, great company and good on a night out, but you knew when it came down to the work, she would nail it.”
Her repute for keen information instincts has additionally no longer slipped by the wayside. Lionel Barber praised Tucker’s journalistic acumen, stating, “She has a very sharp nose for a good news story – always did.” This keen sense for news is coupled with a belief in thorough sourcing, as Barber added, “I’m pretty damn confident there’s no way Tucker would publish without having it properly sourced.”
Tucker boots up her new gig Tucker jumps headlong into her new role with excitement. She faces increased expectations from her peers and the rest of the field. Paddy Harverson noted that there is “a particular moment now where the Wall Street Journal has to prove its mettle as the pre-eminent business and financial markets media organisation.”
Beyond those editorial headwinds, Tucker has created a place that empowers staff members to be creative and bold. An unnamed journalist commented on this shift, saying, “Musk turned out to be a pretty good topic,” referring to Tucker’s encouragement of edgy stories that engage readers.
While Tucker’s tenure has not been without controversy, her approach signifies a commitment to modernizing the WSJ while staying true to its journalistic roots. An unnamed staffer reflected on this shift: “We’re encouraged to write more edgy stories,” indicating a departure from previous editorial constraints.