Join Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler on WAOK's Wake Up with Dee Morning Show for an engaging conversation with David Plazas, the newly appointed Deputy Managing Editor overseeing opinion at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC). Plazas, who joined the AJC on May 5, 2025, brings a 25-year journalism career, including a decade as Opinion and Engagement Director at The Tennessean in Nashville. His tenure there was marked by impactful initiatives like the Civility Tennessee campaign, which promoted constructive dialogue amid political polarization, and the Black and Latino Tennessee Voices projects, amplifying diverse perspectives. Plazas also hosted the Tennessee Voices podcast, producing over 450 episodes, and moderated numerous political forums, earning accolades from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization.
In this interview, Plazas shares his vision for the AJC's opinion section, emphasizing community engagement and amplifying underrepresented voices in Georgia. He aims to strengthen the editorial board's voice, foster inclusive discussions on critical issues like housing, transit, and voter engagement, and build on the AJC's legacy as "the Substance and Soul of the South." Drawing from his Tennessee experience, Plazas plans to create platforms that encourage civil discourse and reflect metro Atlanta's diversity, ensuring the opinion pages serve as a catalyst for solutions that improve Georgians' lives. His move to Atlanta, motivated partly by family ties, fuels his passion for connecting with the community.
Tune in to hear Plazas discuss his transition from Tennessee to Atlanta and his strategies for shaping the AJC's editorial future. Connect with him on Twitter (@davidplazas) and LinkedIn (David Plazas) for insights on journalism and community building. Visit www.ajc.com for more on the AJC's award-winning journalism and to explore its opinion content.
