A Brian Stelter notes in the NY Times, Aronson’s promotion signals that she is the likely heir to the “Frontline” throne when Fanning decides to retire.

The news did not come as a surprise — Ms. Aronson has been managing much of the production of “Frontline” for the past five years — but as confirmation of Mr. Fanning’s intention to hand the series over to her sometime in the future. “The title deputy means someone appointed and empowered to act on behalf of another,” he wrote in an internal memo to the staff on Saturday. “It’s my pleasure to have her agree to do so on my behalf, and share the responsibility and privilege of guiding Frontline’s present and future.”

“Frontline” is produced by one of public television’s powerhouse stations, WGBH Boston, which also produces “Antiques Roadshow,” “Nova” and “Masterpiece.”

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During his acceptance speech, Fanning called for the creation of a Public Journalism Fund with support from foundations, individuals, major donors and public money to hire the best journalists possible. “And make sure to bring in with them a new generation of young reporters who ared used to the daily demands, the drumbeat of reporting in the digital world,” Fanning said. “If we do this smartly, we will get a lot of attention. Public broadcasting will immediately become more relevant to the national conversation, attract some of the best talents in journalism, and capture a key piece of the journalism landscape.”

Click here to read Fanning’s speech in its entirety.

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