Jeff Pelline, former editor of The Union
Jeff Pelline, who had been editor for the last two years, is now blogging independently.
Pelline’s new blog adds to the already flush number of bloggers in the area that cover local politics and much more. But what’s more interesting, at least what I think is more interesting to people, is that Jeff P explains his departure very candidly in his first entry.
Here’s some of what he wrote, speaking of Jeff A:
Jeff said he now is going to be the Editor (managing the news coverage) and the Publisher (managing the business) of The Union for economic reasons. Being a stickler for “conflicts of interest” (you know, the “watchdog” stuff we’ve written about at the paper), I expressed some skepticism that he could wear both hats. But Jeff vowed it could be done.
Jeff had been filling in as the interim advertising director for months (a more natural fit for a Publisher in my mind), but he has hired someone to fill that post who he thinks can make it a success.
It’s a very tough market and a tough job, even for a Publisher. (Jeff came up the ranks on the news side, not the business side). Jeff said he couldn’t afford both positions (Editor and the incoming Ad Director) at this time. It was painful to hear that, but I accepted it. We had a very professional conversation. We chatted, shook hands and left on good terms.
News of Pelline’s departure traveled quickly in the blogosphere — but nowhere elsewhere. First, George Rebane (incorrectly) reported that he resigned. Then, Russ Steele followed. And Anna Haynes followed with a short post to note that Jeff A was the new editor.
In response, as you can note from the comments on each of those posts, Pelline made sure to have his new blog be known. It’s a good way to get his new endeavor out there. I’m sure it won’t be his final destination.
