Michael Warshaw, who was editor for five years, announced yesterday that he's leaving to become editor of Globe West, the Boston Globe's twice-weekly suburban paper, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. "He's great," Worcester Magazine publisher Allen Fletcher says. "He's a real pro who knows the city and has been a solid part of our team for a while."

Continue ReadingWorcester Magazine Editor Heads to Boston Globe Publication

Stephen Leon (pictured), the editor and publisher of Metroland in Albany, N.Y., was elected President on Saturday during the association's annual meeting. Willamette Week editor Mark Zusman was elected Vice President, making him the heir apparent to the presidency. Six of the nine remaining board seats were filled by incumbents running unopposed.

Continue ReadingAAN Elects 11 Board Members

Last week, at the House Judiciary Committee's first hearing on HR 2102, the Federal Shield Law, a Justice Department official reiterated the Bush administration's position against such a bill, the AP reports. "History has demonstrated that the protections already in place, including the department's own rigorous internal review of media subpoena requests, are sufficient," Assistant Attorney General Rachel Brand told the Judiciary Committee. Free press advocates, including New York Times columnist William Safire, testified on behalf of the bill. "The movement to force journalists to reveal their sources is an attempt to turn the press into an arm of the law," Safire said. The AP reports that a major sticking point remains the legislation's definition of "journalist," which now includes bloggers. Spokespeople for House and Senate Democratic leaders say they like the bill but have no plans to advance it, according to the AP. Currently, 32 states and the District of Columbia have shield laws in place. AAN is a member of an alliance of over 40 media companies and professional organizations that has issued statements of support for the legislation.

Continue ReadingDespite Progress, White House Still Opposes Federal Shield Law