As the saying goes, opinions are like bellybuttons.
And every a–hole has one.
But what does it mean that Roll Call, the oldest known political publication covering Capitol Hill, is no longer accepting op-eds?
“Roll Call has officially changed its policy and will no longer be accepting op-eds at this time.” The Mirror has confirmed that this is the message that some interested parties have received. This includes all Congressional blogs affiliated with the publication.
Rebecca Gale has been Roll Call‘s opinion editor and a columnist. Or at least, that was her beat. Sources tell The Mirror that she’s no longer responsible for what appears to be the now non-existent op-ed department.
She did not return a request for comment on the matter.
Meanwhile…tonight much of the staff is celebrating at editor Jason Dick‘s wedding at Atlas Brew Works. So it may be a stretch to think execs would stop partying to explain why opinions on Capitol Hill no longer matter.
A longtime Washington editor was aghast that this could be happening at Roll Call or any Capitol Hill newspaper for that matter.
“Op-eds are vital in every newspaper and online news site,” the journalist told The Mirror. “The news business has changed dramatically over the years, but the value of op-eds will always be a constant.”
Update: The Mirror has written Roll Call Editor-in-Chief Melinda Henneberger to inquire about the publication’s new policy and how and why it came about. I’ll update when and if she responds.