Utahn has named Joshua Lee its new editor in chief. Lee will help lead the publication’s editorial work and develop new ways for Utahns to examine the facts and arguments behind the issues shaping their state.
Founded by Clint Betts, Utahn rests on the belief that good journalism helps people govern themselves. Its purpose is to equip readers across Utah and the American West with the information they need to understand public decisions, question those in power, and participate in their communities.
Readers’ ability to reach their own conclusions is central to the Utahn mission.
“We want Utahns to have a place where they can examine the facts and hear an argument at its strongest,” said Betts. “Josh shares that respect for readers. He has ideas for making Utahn useful both to someone following the news today and someone trying to understand an issue months from now.”
Lee brings experience in journalism, government communications, and public affairs at the national and local levels. His work has focused on writing, public policy, and helping audiences understand complex issues.
“My goal is to help make Utahn our state’s most trusted forum for informed disagreement,” Lee said. “Readers should be able to verify a claim, understand the strongest arguments on different sides of an issue and return to that work as the discussion develops. I want to help build an organization that becomes more useful to its community with every year.”
Lee’s vision draws in part on his interest in St. Thomas Aquinas and the discipline of understanding an opposing position well enough to present it fairly. He hopes to encourage that habit among contributors and readers, making careful examination of competing arguments a defining part of Utahn work.
Among his longer-term goals is the development of regularly updated issue pages that bring reporting, primary documents and competing arguments together in one place. These pages would preserve what has been established, explain what remains disputed and incorporate new evidence as it emerges. Over time, they would form a reference collection that readers could use whenever an issue returns to public attention.
Lee will also initiate a series of Oxford-style debates on pressing Utah issues. The events would give participants time to make their case and answer substantive challenges, while inviting audiences to weigh the arguments. Full recordings, podcast episodes, written coverage, and short excerpts would extend the discussions beyond the room and help build the readership community.
About Utahn
Utahn is an independent journal of the American West founded by Clint Betts. Serving communities throughout Utah, it covers public affairs, business, religion, culture and sports. Its mission is to support informed civic life through accurate journalism, public accountability, and respect for readers’ judgment. Learn more at Utahn.com.
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