"For nearly ten years now, I have done my job incognito," Robb Walsh writes. "Now I am joining the ranks of no-longer-anonymous restaurant critics." He notes that fellow VVM food writers Jason Sheehan (Westword) and Jonathan Gold (L.A. Weekly) have had few problems since moving away from the time-honored tradition of being an anonymous food critic. "[I've] noticed absolutely no difference in being recognized in restaurants," Gold says. "None. Zero."

Continue ReadingHouston Press Food Writer Sheds Anonymity

AAN's second annual Publishers Conference is taking place Nov. 13 and 14 in Charleston, S.C., and will feature a couple of big-picture presentations and many informal discussions about the state of the industry. In addition, conference attendees will toast departing AAN executive director Richard Karpel at a going away party. For a full schedule or to register, click here.

Continue ReadingPublishers Conference Programming All Set

Laura Marrich, who started at the Weekly Alibi as an intern in 2003, takes over the editor-in-chief role today, filling the shoes of Christie Chisholm, who is leaving the paper to pursue work as an independent journalist. Marrich will continue to edit the food section, while Jessica Cassyle Carr will take over the music section from her. Marisa Demarco, who is already the paper's news editor, will also take the title of managing editor. "Laura is a born leader with seemingly boundless reservoirs of energy, humor and creativity that energize everyone around her," Alibi publisher Carl Petersen says in a statement. "She will no doubt shine all the brighter as editor."

Continue ReadingWeekly Alibi Gets New Editor

The compromise bill would allow federal judges to quash government subpoenas against reporters if they determine that the public interest in the news outweighs the government's need to uncover the source of that news, including some disclosures of classified national security information. The bill would also extend shield protection to unpaid bloggers engaged in newsgathering. "We've come a long way in these negotiations and have now reached a compromise that strikes the right balance between national security concerns and the public's right to know," Sen. Charles Schumer said in a statement. The Times notes that the compromise could still falter if press groups object to the concessions made to prosecutors. "This is a huge deal, but it's not a done deal," Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press executive director Lucy Dalglish says. "And quite honestly, until all of the media coalition members sign off on it, it's not a deal."

Continue ReadingSenate Dems, White House Reach Compromise on Federal Shield Law

As we announced on Monday, AAN's longtime executive director, Richard Karpel, is stepping down to take the same position at the American Society of News Editors. AAN has placed ads to find his successor on four websites and has received more than 20 applications thus far. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors will do an initial screening of the candidates later this month; after this is complete, President Mark Zusman will appoint a separate committee that will likely meet and interview the finalists and make a recommendation to the Board of Directors.

Continue ReadingAAN Begins Search for New Executive Director

The Weekly's longtime art director and production manager Kevin Dougherty died at home on Oct. 21 of an apparent heart attack, the paper reports. He was 49 years old. Dougherty, who began working at the Weekly in 1994, became production manager in 1998 and also took over the art director position in 1999. In addition, he served on the executive committee that ran the paper. "Kevin was an amazing boss and coworker, a wonderful friend and an inspirational human being," says Weekly staffer Sarah Decker. "He knew how to make us laugh, and he sure knows how to make us weep. I will miss him every day of my life."

Continue ReadingEugene Weekly Art Director Dies