Times O.C. Edition Names Martin Baron, 38, as Its New Editor

COSTA MESA —  Martin D. Baron has been selected as editor of the Orange County Edition of the Los Angeles Times, where he will direct a staff of 200 reporters, editors, artists and photographers in one of The Times’ most competitive markets.

Baron, 38, has been at The Times since 1979 and most recently served as the assistant managing editor overseeing Column One stories, the Times Poll and special projects. Previously, he served as business editor, assistant business editor, acting financial bureau chief in New York and a business reporter.

Baron, who holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA from Lehigh University, replaces Carol Stogsdill, who was earlier promoted to senior editor of The Times.

“I’m honored and delighted to be working with The Times’ superb staff in Orange County,” Baron said. “Our goal is to continue publishing Orange County’s best newspaper. We will continue with aggressive, fair and intelligent coverage.”

Karen Wada, an assistant managing editor, assumes Baron’s responsibilities for Column One, the Times Poll and special projects. Wada, 34, will continue to oversee the editorial department’s hiring division.

Baron will remain an assistant managing editor for The Times and report to Stogsdill.

“Marty Baron takes over the Orange County Edition at one of the most exciting times in its history,” Stogsdill said. “The achievements of the past few years have been many. Our hard-hitting, award-winning news coverage is unsurpassed. . . . Marty will continue the drive for excellence and will be instrumental in forging new strategies.”

The Times Orange County is the newspaper’s largest regional edition, and has a circulation of 193,923 daily and 291,467 Sundays.

“There’s a tremendous opportunity here, and a very competitive atmosphere,” Baron said. “The county has many fascinating things going on. The opportunity to oversee the coverage in a fast-growing, fast-changing place is a real challenge.”