New editor to reshape Wildcat

Tanith L. Balaban Arizona Daily Wildcat Oh captain, my captain! Journalism senior Brian Barker will take the helm for the Wildcat during the spring semester. Barker, who has worn such hats as design chief for the Wildcat and Catalyst, managing editor and reporter, will take over Zach Thomas' place in January.

Brian Barker, a journalism senior and design chief for the Wildcat's Catalyst arts magazine, was chosen Nov. 20 to head the spring newspaper staff. Barker plans to change the paper's layout and give it a more dramatic look.

"I'd like to do some interesting design with certain sections. The Catalyst will have a new look - it will be inside the Wildcat," Barker said. "It (Catalyst) will still have the expanded coverage that it has achieved in the past semester."

Barker, 22, said the new position will be a valuable opportunity.

He plans to develop a staff of editors who are familiar with campus issues and will work well together.

"We plan on more in-depth coverage of issues concerning students, faculty and staff," Barker said. "We're going to diversify coverage."

Barker will replace outgoing Wildcat editor in chief Zachary Thomas in January.

"I think he'll do a fine job," Thomas said. "Although Brian's strengths are in design and presentation, he will be able to effectively delegate authority."

Barker agreed, saying he will rely on a well-chosen staff to drive the newspaper's content.

"By appointing the right people," he said, "they should complement my design skills just fine."

Mark Woodhams, Arizona Student Media director, said he is confident Barker will do an excellent job.

"I think Brian will make a great editor," Woodhams said. "He will bring different strengths and attitudes. Students have a habit of rising to the occasion."

In addition to his Catalyst position, Barker served as the Wildcat's managing editor during spring 1998, a page designer in spring 1997 and a reporter for the Arizona Summer Wildcat.

"Design and product are his greatest strengths," Woodhams said. "This is the first time we're coming in with a strong design talent."

The Wildcat has garnered its share of criticism this semester, and Barker said he will continue the newspaper's efforts to deal with controversy in a responsible manner.

"It's hard not to be nervous about it because we have a great effect on the community," he said.

Thomas, who plans to pursue a business venture after December, said Barker has the intelligence to handle the travails of being editor.

"It will be a learning experience for everyone," Thomas said. "He's a sharp cookie."

Liz Dailey can be reached via e-mail at Liz.Dailey@wildcat.arizona.edu.