• Editor & Publisher, Tuesday, January 20, 2009 9:17 AM

After the hoopla of the inauguration has died down, the news media has an opportunity to try to restore some its influence by covering Washington politics in new ways. The Wall Street Journal, for instance, is planning -- and promoting -- two reports that blend politics and business by sharply focusing on the president's initial impact on the economy.

"The new President takes office at a time of economic and political upheaval. The government is playing a more important role in the national debate and it is crucial that the implications of that role be understood," says Robert Thomson, Journal managing editor.

The first section focused on the economy is "The Obama Agenda" to be published in February. It is pegged to the release of the federal budget when the new administration formally presents its agenda to the world. The second economic report is slated for May 7, called "The First 100 Days." The Journal will study the first three months of Obama administration and its impact on the global economy and business.

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