You’ve seen the front pages. Loud. Brash. Often hilarious, sometimes infuriating, but never, ever boring. Whether it’s a politician caught in a scandal or a local hero doing something wild in Queens, the "Wood" (that’s industry speak for the front page) is where the magic happens. But who actually steers that ship? Being a New York Post editor isn’t just about checking grammar; it’s about managing a unique brand of journalistic adrenaline that has defined New York City's media landscape for over two centuries.
Keith Poole currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the New York Post Group. He’s the guy at the top.
Poole took the reins in 2021, moving over from The Sun in the UK. This was a classic News Corp move—bringing in a heavy hitter from the British tabloids to sharpen the digital edge of America’s oldest continuously published daily. It's a high-pressure gig. You’re answering to the ghost of Alexander Hamilton (who founded the paper) and the very real expectations of the Murdoch family.
The Keith Poole Era and the Digital Pivot
When Keith Poole arrived, the mission was clear: keep the print legacy alive but dominate the digital space. It’s a tough balance. You want the viral clicks, but you need the soul of the city.
The New York Post editor role is basically a 24/7 triage of chaos. Under Poole, the paper has leaned heavily into its role as a conservative counter-voice in a city that leans deeply blue. But don't mistake it for just a political rag. The Post is a "paper of record" for the gritty, weird, and wonderful things that happen on the subway or in the high-rises of Manhattan.
Poole brought a specific British tabloid sensibility to the role. That means shorter, punchier stories. It means headlines that act like a punch to the gut.
Why the British Connection Matters
News Corp, owned by Rupert Murdoch, has a long history of rotating editors between London and New York. Why? Because the UK tabloid market is incredibly competitive. It’s a blood sport over there. By bringing in someone like Poole, the Post ensures it stays aggressive.
You’ve got to be fast. If a story breaks at 2 AM, the editor needs to decide if it’s a digital-only play or if it’s "the Wood" for tomorrow morning.
The Col Allan Legacy: A Different Breed of Editor
You can't talk about the current state of the paper without mentioning Col Allan. He was the New York Post editor who truly defined the modern, aggressive, "Headless Body in Topless Bar" energy (though that specific headline predated him, he embodied its spirit). Allan was known for his legendary temper, his sharp eye for a story, and his unapologetic approach to news.
He retired, then came back as a consultant, then retired again. His influence is everywhere.
The transition from the Allan era to the Poole era represents a shift in how news is consumed. Allan was a print king. Poole is a multi-platform strategist. Honestly, the job has changed. It's no longer just about what people read over their morning coffee; it's about what they're arguing about on X (formerly Twitter) at 11 PM.
What Does a New York Post Editor Actually Do All Day?
It’s not all shouting in a newsroom like a scene from a 1940s movie. Though there is some of that.
- The Morning Meeting: This is where the day is won or lost. Editors from the metro desk, sports, gossip (Page Six), and business gather to pitch their best stuff.
- The "Wood" Selection: This is the most famous part of the job. Choosing the front-page image and headline is an art form. It needs to be provocative. It needs to sell.
- Legal Vetting: Tabloids push boundaries. This means the editor spends a lot of time with lawyers. You want to be edgy, but you don't want to get sued into oblivion.
- Managing Page Six: Page Six is a beast of its own. It's the most famous gossip column in the world. The Editor-in-Chief has to ensure it stays ahead of the competition without burning every bridge in Hollywood.
The pressure is immense. New York is a city that eats its own, and the Post is often the one providing the silverware.
The Political Tightrope
Being the New York Post editor means living in the crosshairs of political debate. The paper is famously conservative, which puts it at odds with the New York Times and the Daily News.
During election cycles, the editor is the one deciding which stories about candidates get the most play. Think back to the Hunter Biden laptop story in 2020. That was a massive editorial gamble. It led to the Post being locked out of its own Twitter account for a while. That kind of decision rests squarely on the shoulders of the editorial leadership.
Whether you love or hate their politics, you have to admit they have guts. They don't mind being the "outcast" in the media room.
Page Six: The Heartbeat of the Tabloid
While the hard news gets the headlines, Page Six is what keeps people coming back. It’s currently edited by Ian Mohr, but the Editor-in-Chief keeps a very close eye on it. Why? Because a single Page Six item can move markets or end marriages.
It’s the ultimate "insider" tool. If you’re a New York Post editor, you’re essentially one of the most powerful people in the city because you control the narrative of who’s "in" and who’s "out."
How to Think Like a Tabloid Editor
If you want to understand the mindset, you have to stop thinking about "journalism" in the academic sense. Think about it as storytelling for the person waiting for the train.
- Is it visual? If there’s no good photo, it’s probably not a cover story.
- Is there a villain? Tabloids love a bad guy.
- Is it relatable? Even if it’s a billionaire, there has to be a human element.
The current leadership under Poole has doubled down on "Common Sense" journalism. They focus on crime, the economy, and the "woke" culture wars. It’s a specific lane, and they drive in it very, very fast.
Common Misconceptions About the Role
People think the New York Post editor is just a puppet for the owners. That’s a bit of a caricature. While the editorial line aligns with Murdoch’s world view, the day-to-day operations are remarkably independent.
The editors are New Yorkers. They live in these streets. They feel the city's pulse.
Another myth? That they don't care about facts. Actually, because the Post is under such intense scrutiny from its rivals, the editors have to be incredibly careful. If they get a small detail wrong, the New York Times will write a 2,000-word exposé on it. The "Post" style is sensational, yes, but it’s rooted in a very specific type of street-level reporting.
The Future of Editorial Leadership at the Post
Where does it go from here? The next few years will be defined by AI and the total collapse of traditional social media traffic.
Keith Poole and his team are currently figuring out how to make the Post an "appointment" destination. They don't want to rely on Google or Facebook for their audience. They want people to go directly to NYPost.com.
This requires a different kind of editor—one who understands data as well as they understand a catchy pun.
Why You Should Care
Even if you never pick up a physical copy of the paper, the New York Post editor influences the news cycle you live in. They set the tone for the "hot takes" that dominate cable news. They decide which local stories become national scandals.
They are the gatekeepers of the "loud" version of the truth.
Actionable Insights for Media Watchers
If you're following the trajectory of the New York Post or interested in the mechanics of high-stakes media, keep these points in mind:
- Watch the "Wood": Follow the Post's front page daily. It’s a masterclass in visual communication and branding. It tells you exactly what the editors think the "average" person cares about today.
- Monitor the Digital Shift: Notice how stories are framed on the homepage versus how they appear in print. The digital headlines are often much more SEO-driven, while the print headlines are the witty ones.
- Pay Attention to the Byline: Follow specific reporters like those on the Metro desk or Page Six. The editor sets the tone, but the beat reporters are the ones providing the raw material.
- Understand the News Corp Ecosystem: The Post doesn't exist in a vacuum. It often coordinates (or at least aligns) with Fox News and the Wall Street Journal. Seeing how a story travels through these three outlets gives you a clear picture of the editorial strategy.
The role of the editor at this specific paper is one of the toughest, most scrutinized jobs in American media. It requires a thick skin, a wicked sense of humor, and an absolute obsession with being first. Whether it's Keith Poole or the next person in the hot seat, the mission remains the same: "New York’s liveliest paper."