(RTTNews) - Marcus Brauchli is stepping down as the top editor of the Wall Street Journal, a story first reported on Time magazine's Website and confirmed by the Wall Street Journal early Tuesday morning.
The Journal, in an article that is not bylined, said that its top editor is, 'expected to resign' following less than a year on the job. Brauchli took over the top editor slot in May 2007, and a few months into his tenure the paper was bought by Rupert Murdoch's NewsCorp.
(NWS). The purchase of the Wall Street Journal by Murdoch's NewsCorp., which also owns outlets like FOX News, reportedly caused concern at the Journal especially after Murdoch revealed his vision to expand the paper from its business and financially focused roots.
Murdoch's vision includes 'more general news in addition to business news, the upcoming launch of a glossy luxury magazine, more variety and urgency on section fronts,' the Journal wrote. It mentions that Murdoch 'generally held the paper in high regard.'
The Journal is reporting that Brauchli will likely be replaced by current publisher Robert Thompson. Before joining the Wall Street Journal when Murdoch took over, Thompson had held the position of editor for Murdoch's The Times of London.
Thompson 'may take over as interim managing editor of the paper, say these people,' the Journal wrote, citing unnamed sources. 'In spite of the publisher title, Mr. Thomson already was involved in overseeing editorial matters for Dow Jones properties such as the Journal, newswires and Barron's magazine. A search for a new managing editor was expected to begin shortly, with candidates coming from both inside and outside the paper.'
There is a committee to select a new top editor, the Journal wrote. Selecting a replacement involves protecting the 'editorial integrity' of the Journal, a factor that will be important in selecting a replacement for Brauchli.
'Although Mr. Brauchli is planning to resign, the committee is empowered to look into concerns about the editorial integrity of the Journal, according to a person who has reviewed the agreement,' the Journal wrote. 'The committee could also, in the same way, assert a right to approve a replacement to Mr. Brauchli.'
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