On October 23, 2025, the Dow Jones Special Committee announced the election of John F. Tefft to succeed Anne W. Patterson. Tefft, a retired U.S. diplomat who served as ambassador to Russia, Lithuania, Georgia, and Ukraine, will serve out Patterson’s term through December 31, 2027, and may be eligible for reelection thereafter.
The Special Committee is an independent body that safeguards the editorial independence of The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones. Its members are required to approve appointments of the Journal’s Editor‑in‑Chief and Editorial Page Editor, and to monitor adherence to ethical and professional standards. Tefft’s appointment brings a seasoned diplomatic perspective to the committee’s oversight functions.
The change in committee composition may influence the governance of the Journal’s editorial policies and could affect how the publication navigates political and business reporting. For News Corp shareholders, the appointment signals a continued emphasis on maintaining editorial independence while ensuring robust oversight of its flagship news brand.
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