Atlanta Journal-Constitution Publisher Steps Down Amid Digital Transition
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Andrew Morse is stepping down as publisher and CEO of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) next month. His replacement will be Paul Curran, a senior advertising executive from Cox Media. Morse led a $150 million digital reinvention plan for the paper, which has transitioned to a digital-only model.
Facts First
- Andrew Morse is stepping down as publisher and CEO of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) next month.
- Paul Curran will replace Morse, a senior advertising executive with Cox Media, effective June 29.
- The AJC is a digital-only paper, having abandoned its print edition last year.
- Morse initiated a $150 million plan to reinvent the AJC in January 2023.
- The paper has more than 320 staffers, with more than half belonging to the newsroom.
What Happened
Andrew Morse is stepping down as publisher and chief executive of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) next month. His replacement will be Paul Curran, a senior advertising executive with Cox Media, effective June 29. Morse previously worked at ABC, Bloomberg, and CNN, where he was the architect of the network's digital strategy and the CNN+ platform. He attributed his decision to step down to family concerns regarding his commute between Atlanta and New York.
Why this Matters to You
If you rely on the AJC for local news in Atlanta, leadership changes could influence the paper's direction and the resources available for reporting. The AJC has more than 320 staffers, with more than half in the newsroom, and it recently received its first Peabody award for coverage. The paper's ongoing digital transition, which Morse led with a $150 million plan, may affect how you access and consume its content. Morse noted that social media platforms' shift away from promoting news and the rise of AI platforms have led to a drop in news website referrals, a phenomenon called 'Google Zero,' which could make finding reliable local news online more challenging.
What's Next
Paul Curran will take over as publisher and CEO on June 29. Morse's ambitious goal was to increase digital subscribers from 53,000 to 500,000 by the end of 2026; the current number is 101,000. The new leadership will likely continue managing this digital growth strategy. The AJC's parent company, Cox Enterprises, is controlled by the Cox family, who have owned the paper for decades, suggesting a commitment to its future. The broader local news landscape faces challenges, as evidenced by the shutdown and sale of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but the AJC's substantial staff and recent investment plan indicate it may be better positioned to navigate them.