Long-time Washington Post sports editor and columnist George Solomon became ESPN's first-ever ombudsman, starting July 1, 2005. In this newly created position, Solomon critiques decision-making, coverage and presentation for studio and event production, including SportsCenter, ESPN Radio and, occasionally, programming outside the news and information genre.
George Solomon
At least once per month, Solomon shares his thoughts via a column on ESPN.com, which will be linked from the front page. He has signed on for an 18-month term.
"While we continually scrutinize our efforts, adding someone of George's caliber and reputation will only strengthen our efforts to continually enhance how we serve fans," said Mark Shapiro, ESPN executive vice president, programming and production.
Solomon will continue to write a Sunday sports column for the Washington Post. He served as assistant managing editor for sports from June 1975 until June 2003, and as associate editor of the newspaper from June 2003 until his retirement in December 2003.
Solomon received the 2003 Red Smith Award for distinguished service in the field of sports journalism, presented annually by the Associated Press Sports Editors. He recently edited a book comprised of writings by the late Washington Post columnist Shirley Povich titled All Those Mornings at The Post.
Solomon graduated from the University of Florida in 1963. He worked for several print outlets before joining the Post in 1972 as a sports reporter. Since September 2003, he has taught sports journalism classes at the University of Maryland.
Editor's note: Solomon's son Aaron produces ESPN's Around the Horn.