Analysis: The new editor-in-chief's intro video

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As a senior editor at Seattle-based Grist, Greg Hanscom has built coverage of environmental and urban issues that could compete with the country's best publications. As executive editor of the Baltimore-based Urbanite magazine, he worked with reporters, local experts, and community leaders to cover his region of Maryland with depth and perspective – schools, crime, city vs. suburb clashes, and the city's most promising artists and chefs all fell into the wheelhouse.

And for his latest feat, he just finished his first week as Crosscut's new editor-in-chief.

To complete Phase One of his hazing, Greg took some time to discuss his background as a reporter and editor throughout the U.S., his favorite journalist and local writer, his history with Baltimore burlesque duos, and more. We then set this footage to a sick beat, and analyzed it closely.

A few takeaways:

Bewilderment at career decisions: At multiple points in the video, Greg implies awareness that working in journalism is a somewhat irrational choice,  and he has "had a hard time getting away from it."  Viewers will detect a keen curiosity throughout the first half, in which he all but wonders out loud where this crazy train is headed.  This is actually a plus, and a sign of sound mind and judgement.

Solid soul patch: We are not usually fans, but believe he is pulling it off.

Dedication to the cause:  In both this interview and our chats with him, Greg shows a real knowledge and passion for the issues facing this area (read the Seattle-focused series he shepherded at Grist here). The region is evolving, and journalists and thinkers have a duty to step up and cover, contextualize, and inform the conversations that will guide that change. Crosscut is committed to rising to the occasion, and proud to have Greg on board. Drop him a line with your thoughts, news tips, or anything else at greg.hanscom@crosscut.com.

  

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