Jesse Chambers, editor of Weld for Birmingham’s “Weld Local” blog, has accepted a position with the Alabama Media Group, which operates the Birmingham News and AL.com. His last work for Weld will appear in the November 8 print edition.
Chambers has written for Weld on a freelance basis since the launch of the company’s weekly newspaper and online blogging network in August 2011. He established Weld Local and as its editor took responsibility for developing several writers whose work has appeared there. Chambers also served as interim editor of Weld for Birmingham for roughly three months between the resignation of founding editor Glenny Brock last May and the hiring of Nick Patterson as editor in August.
“Jesse’s contributions to Weld have been tremendous,” publisher Mark Kelly said. “He’s an outstanding writer, and his leadership has been integral to our development into a primary source of news and information for the Birmingham area.
“We’re flattered that the Alabama Media Group continues to view our small company as fertile ground for recruiting new writers, though we certainly will miss Jesse as we continue to build our readership and reach in the community,” Kelly added. “In any case, we wish him the very best as he helps them try to find their way in the new media landscape.”
Editor Nick Patterson also praised Chambers’ work ethic and editorial skills. “I will miss working with Jesse. He’s got a great work ethic, and good instincts for news, which I hope his new employers will appreciate,” said Patterson.