JTA publisher steps down; editor to move up

Surprising news from the AP of Jewish journalism:

Mark J. Joffe, JTA’s longtime executive editor and publisher, has announced that he has stepped down as head of the global Jewish news service, effective July 21, 2010. Following Joffe’s announcement, the JTA board of directors has tapped Editor in Chief Ami Eden to lead the agency.

“The media industry as a whole is undergoing sweeping changes, and the Jewish media vertical is no different,” Joffe said.  “I am very proud of where I’ve taken JTA, and I believe the organization is well-positioned for the digital age. But after 22 years, I will be turning my energies to other areas where I can make an impact.”

I can imagine. Journalism is unlike many professions, and it’s characterized by a bit of wanderlust. Restlessness is an important ingredient of good reporting, though that should be understood as different than an impulsive need to constantly be changing jobs.

Mazel tov, Mark. And good luck to Eden and the crew at JTA.