Socially minded rocker Bono is set to join the ranks of Maureen Dowd, Thomas Friedman, and William Kristol as a contributor to the New York Times’ op-ed page.
During a talk last week at Columbia University, Times editorial page editor Andrew Rosenthal announced that the U2 frontman and outspoken activist would contribute 6-to-10 columns over the course of 2009. The Irish singer, who has been known as much for his social activism over the years as for his music, has a penchant for speaking out on famine and poverty in sub-Saharan Africa and the ongoing politics of his native Northern Ireland. Bono will donate his services to the paper free of charge.
Other possible contributors said to be on the editor's shortlist include Bruce Springsteen, recent doctoral candidate and Queen guitarist Brian May, and comedian Larry David.