COLUMBIA, MO (August 15, 2018) – Bob Smietana, former features editor and frequent contributor to The Covenant Companion, has been named general editor of Religion News Service.
“Bob Smietana is one of the most respected religion journalists in the United States,” Tom Gallagher, RNS CEO and publisher, said in making the announcement. “Bob is a deeply competent person of integrity, enthusiasm and generosity, and has mentored many of today’s top religion journalists. We’re delighted that he’s our new editor-in-chief.”
Smietana was picked following a national search that included 130 applicants.
Several of Smietana’s articles published in the Companion have earned first-place awards, including “When Ministers Moonlight.” Other articles include “Can ‘Evangelical’ be Saved?” and “True Blue.”
“The American religious landscape is being transformed before our eyes,” Smietana said. “For more than 80 years, RNS has covered religion with accuracy, insight, empathy and independence. As a result, RNS is perfectly positioned to document that transformation and to help our readers navigate this new world.”
