Fellow Blogger, Abel Harding of Jaxpolitics.com Joins Florida Times Union.

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http://jacksonville.com/news/2009-10-19/story/abel_harding_of_jaxpoliticsonlinecom_joining_times_union_as_business_columnist

The Times-Union has hired a business columnist as a key part of expanding its business staff and strengthening business coverage in print and online, Editor Frank Denton announced today.
     
Abel Harding, a popular blogger and successful banking executive, will join the newspaper in early November. He will write frequent columns on a wide range of subjects and blog on Jacksonville.com, as well as reach readers through social media outlets such as Twitter.
     
Harding, 36, created the jaxpoliticsonline.com blog and in less than two years has driven it to be one of the top blogs in the area. He frequently breaks stories and has appeared on local radio and television programs. As a columnist, he will represent the newspaper in the community and be available to speak to groups.

“Abel has been a banker, but clearly, his heart and soul are in journalism. He’s smart, talented, curious and dedicated -- and perfect for this new role,” Denton said.
“He has broken a lot of stories in this town, and now he’ll be breaking them for us,” Denton said. “This is an important part of our expansion and improvement of our business coverage, with more to come.”
     
In other changes, veteran reporter Roger Bull has moved to the business staff where he will contribute in-depth reporting and business reporter Kevin Turner will shift his focus to provide substantially more coverage of small businesses, both in print and online.
     
In coming weeks, the emphasis on business news and personal finance will be expanded on Jacksonville.com, with the addition of several features.
     
A graduate of Southern Illinois University, Harding also holds a masters degree in management from the University of Phoenix. He has worked in banking in Jacksonville for the last 15 years, most recently as vice president for Ironstone Bank.