CBS News’s Sopan Deb will join the New York Times on January 9, marking the end of his two year career with the Tiffany Network. Deb gained notoriety when he worked as an embed, producers who follow presidential candidates throughout the race, covering Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Deb was known for posting transcripts of what Trump said and then posting it to Twitter. Deb was seen as a breakout star of the campaign coverage.
Deb will join the New York Times’s culture desk. The news was first reported by the Huffington Post’s Michael Calderone.
“Most notably he pioneered a story form for fact-checking and analyzing Trump: Sopan transcribed the candidate’s remarks at rallies, events, press conferences, and interviews, then highlighted key sections and words and offered spot analysis ― posting it all relentlessly on Twitter,” Culture Editor Danielle Mattoon said in an internal staff memo.
“With this approach Sopan was able to shine a singular spotlight on the most newsworthy, surprising, and troubling parts of Trump’s message. He also put Trump’s language in context so even the candidate couldn’t quibble.”
“Sopan’s superb reporting during this fast-paced and high-charged election cycle was second to none, and we at CBS are sad to see him go,” Chris Isham of CBS said.
“I have no doubt that he will bring the same energy to his new beat.”
The move of Deb to the culture desk was seen as a surprise, but Deb is a stand-up comedian on the side and is classically trained on the piano. He attributes his fast typing skills to his piano abilities.
Deb, in characteristic fashion, responded to the news on Twitter, “Some personal news. After a truly wonderful run at CBS, I’m headed to the NYT. Very, very grateful to both CBS/NYT.”