Mike Balsamo named U.S. News director
In a memo to staff on Monday, Vice President and Head of Global Newsgathering Paul Haven announced that Mike Balsamo has been named U.S. News director:
I am thrilled to announce that Mike Balsamo will be the next director of U.S. News, leading a world class team of reporters, video journalists and photographers.
Mike, who as national law enforcement editor has led distinctive breaking news efforts on some of the biggest stories of recent times, will focus on surging resources to top stories, finding creative, digital and visual approaches to storytelling and making sure our report has the breadth that our biggest global customers need.
Mike will collaborate closely with leaders in Washington and the Global Beats to make sure AP brings all of its expertise to bear on breaking news and building sources on the most important topics, wherever the story takes us.
In a 12-year AP career, Mike has led coverage of the Justice Department under the Trump administration and the special counsel’s Russia investigation. He also spearheaded a landmark investigation into the federal prison system that prompted the resignation of the Bureau of Prisons director and spurred significant legislative reforms.
In addition to his newsroom leadership, Mike has played a leading role in initiatives focused on journalist safety, risk and resilience, and press freedom. He is president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute and previously served as president of the National Press Club.
A two-time winner of the White House Correspondents’ Association Award for Deadline Reporting and a finalist for the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting, Mike has reported for the AP in Washington, New York and Los Angeles.
