Andrew Morse, the former president and publisher of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC), is stepping down after more than three years in the role. His last day will be June 30. Morse announced this change during a town hall meeting with staff. Paul Curran, who has extensive experience in television media, will succeed him. Curran has previously overseen various media ventures under the AJC’s parent company, Cox Enterprises.
During his time at AJC, Morse played a critical role in shifting the publication to a fully digital format. This move aligns with the ongoing trend in journalism where print is declining, and digital formats are becoming more prevalent. A recent Pew Research Center study found that 86% of Americans now get their news online. This statistic underscores the importance of adapting to a digital-first approach, just as AJC has done.
Morse’s tenure marked significant changes for the newspaper. One notable accomplishment was relocating the AJC’s headquarters back to Midtown Atlanta after years in the suburbs. This move was aimed at revitalizing its connection with the community. AJC’s digital transformation also included enhancing its online platforms and improving content delivery to meet modern readers’ expectations.
Social media has played an essential role in modern journalism, and AJC is no stranger to it. During Morse’s period, engagement on platforms like Twitter and Facebook increased significantly. This is reflected in how news organizations now operate—where breaking news often appears on social media before traditional outlets get involved.
Looking ahead, Curran’s leadership comes at a time when the media landscape continues to evolve. Experts predict that emphasizing local news coverage will be vital for newspapers’ survival, especially as community engagement remains a priority for many readers.
As AJC moves on from Morse, the emphasis on building digital communities and leveraging social media trends will likely continue. The changes in leadership signal not just a transition but also an ongoing evolution in how news is produced and consumed in the Atlanta area and beyond.
For further insights on the ongoing changes in the media landscape, you can explore resources from the Pew Research Center on the state of the press here.
