'Atlanta Journal-Constitution' CEO steps down as bold goals yield to tough realities

"In taking the reins of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Morse set an ambitious goal: to grow the number of digital subscribers from 53,000 to a half-million by the end of 2026. He laid out a new strategy, with new content and an infusion of new energy. The paper abandoned print at the end of last year to go all-in on digital innovation. The plan so far has achieved modest results: 101,000 digital subscribers."

"Morse acknowledges falling short, but says the paper ultimately will reach what he calls its “North Star.” Morse won't be there when it happens. After nearly three and a half years, he says it's time for him to step aside. “We have been on a great journey with the AJC ... trying to transform a really proud, storied daily newspaper into a modern media company,” Morse tells NPR. “The decision for me is really bittersweet.”"

"Morse says family concerns drove his choice: “I've been living in Atlanta for three years, but my family lives in New York, so I've been commuting. I needed to make a difficult personal decision to make a change.” He will be replaced by Paul Curran, a senior advertising executive with Cox Media, a joint venture in which the newspaper's parent company retains a large minority stake, the company said. The appointment takes full effect June 29."

"A closely watched experiment Morse's effort has been closely watched as legacy newspapers come under increasing financial stress and undergo vast consolidation. The major players have expanded their holdings; Corporate owners Gannett and Lee Enterprises, and private equity funds Alden Global Capital and Chatham Asset Management are among those that have relentlessly cut costs at papers across the country."

Andrew Morse led major media companies into the digital era and then took charge of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution with a $150 million plan to reinvent the newspaper. The goal was to increase digital subscribers from 53,000 to 500,000 by the end of 2026. The paper stopped print at the end of the previous year and shifted fully toward digital innovation. Results so far reached 101,000 digital subscribers, which Morse described as falling short of targets. He said the paper would eventually reach its “North Star,” but he will step aside after nearly three and a half years. Family concerns drove his decision to stop commuting, and Paul Curran will replace him effective June 29.

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