It’s been a week of significant changes in the world of music criticism and media: Both the Los Angeles Times and the online music magazine Pitchfork have announced new editors.
At the Times, Randall Roberts has been named the Pop Music Critic, replacing the venerable Ann Powers, who had been telecommunicating after moving with her family to Alabama two years ago; Powers is now at NPR Music. According to a statement, Randall will do double-duty until a replacement is found for his old position as Pop Music Editor.
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“As we searched for someone with the knowledge, writing flair and digital sensibilities to take the critic’s spot, it became clear that Randall was the best choice,” read a memo from the Times.
Over at Pitchfork, former Managing Editor, Mark Richardson will replace Scott Plagenhoef as Editor-In-Chief, who will go on to pursue writing opportunities outside of Pitchfork. Richardson has been writing for Pitchfork since 1998 and has served as Managing Editor since 2007.
“Mark was one of the first writers I hired for Pitchfork and we’re all excited to have him take on this new role,” said site founder Ryan Schreiber in a statement. “Mark has big shoes to fill, but I have no doubt he’s the ideal person to lead us going forward.”
In a related story, the New York Times announced that Jill Abramson would succeed Bill Keller as the paper’s Executive Editor. Keller has worked at the Times since 1984 and has served as Executive Editor since July 2003; he will step down in September. Abramson, who has been the news managing editor since August 2003, will be the first woman to hold the Executive Editor position.