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This Just In: Media

Vennochi moves to op-ed. Will Bailey replace her?

By Dan Kennedy

In a switch that's been anticipated for many months, Boston Globe columnist Joan Vennochi will move from the front of the Business section to the op-ed page. Vennochi, who's been writing her column since July 1991, will assume her new slot in January.

Vennochi's specialty has been explaining how the political and business spheres intersect in Massachusetts -- a skill that's been invaluable to readers seeking to understand the maneuvers that have gone on behind the scenes in getting the convention-center and FleetCenter deals done, and in losing the New England Patriots to Hartford.

Next up is the big enchilada: the Boston Red Sox, who are seeking a replacement for Fenway Park. So Vennochi's readers should be relieved to know that her new boss, editorial-page editor David Greenway, doesn't expect her column to change all that much, although he anticipates a little more politics and a little less business.

Vennochi, who holds degrees from Boston University and Suffolk Law School, joined the Globe in 1977. In 1980 she shared a Pulitzer Prize that the Globe's Spotlight Team won for investigating waste and mismanagement at the MBTA. She's also done bureau-chief duty at the State House and at City Hall, and she covered the 1988 presidential campaign.

She could not be reached for comment before deadline.

With Vennochi moving on, informed speculation has it that Steve Bailey, one-half of the duo that writes the Business section's "Boston Capital" column, will get her old slot. Such a move would cap an impressive career recovery by Bailey, who was removed as Business editor several years ago after falling into disfavor with editor Matt Storin. Business reporter Charles Stein, in turn, is considered the leading candidate to replace Bailey at "Boston Capital," teaming with holdover Steven Syre.

Business editor Larry Edelman could not be reached for comment.