Joel Mathis is The World Company’s new managing editor for convergence in Lawrence, the company announced Friday.

Mathis, 33, will oversee multimedia news efforts of the Lawrence Journal-World, 6News and World Online.

“This is a privilege,” Mathis said. “I’m lucky to work with a staff that has already received national and international recognition as pioneers in multimedia – the trick now is to build on that foundation in a way that continues to lead the industry, and that serves our readers and viewers to the utmost.”

Mathis, a graduate of Tabor College in Hillsboro, has been with the Journal-World for more than six years – reporting for the newspaper and television, and serving most recently as the newspaper’s assistant city editor.

He also writes “Cup O’ Joel,” which appears online at lawrence.com and Tuesdays in the Journal-World. The blog received the 2005 Online News Assn. award for best commentary on a medium-sized Web site.

“We couldn’t be more pleased that Joel will be leading our convergence efforts here at The World Company,” said Dan Cox, director of World Online. “He has an inspiring dedication to his work and great enthusiasm for producing the highest quality of journalism across multiple media. I look forward to a much-improved news effort in print, television and online that serves the community well.”