Washington Post dropping ombudsman

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WASHINGTON, March 2 (UPI) -- The position of ombudsman at The Washington Post is being replaced with a "reader representative," the paper has announced.

Publisher Katharine Weymouth said the representative, unlike the ombudsman, will report to Fred Hiatt, editor of the editorial page. The ombudsman worked under a contract that guaranteed independence.

The representative's responsibilities will include responding to reader questions and complaints. While the ombudsman has had a Sunday column, the representative may write a blog.

Patrick Pexton's two-year contract as ombudsman ended Thursday.

Weymouth said that in the digital era, reporters are constantly monitored by the public.

"In short, while we are not filling a position that was created decades ago for a different era, we remain faithful to the mission," Weymouth wrote. "We know that you, our readers, will hold us to that, as you should."

Hiatt said the representative will be a full-time job and will be filled by someone now on staff. He said the Post may also have a "senior" staffer joining the representative part time.

"Our intention is to make sure that the job has the heft within the organization so that unquestionably they get the answers readers want," he said.