A new generation of leaders is emerging on the horizon of the world’s major media, as digital formats accelerate the transformation of journalism and give way to other models of mass communication.
Emblematic directors of traditional newspapers like Marty Baron, of The Washington Post; and Roberto Pombo, from El Tiempo de Colombia, follow the saga of other prominent leaders of Spanish journalism, leaving their posts at the height of their success to make way for new generations.
The same is expected to happen this year with Dean Baquet of The New York Times; And soon, the Los Angeles Times, Norman Pearlstine, will leave the job to his successor, as will Jeff Zukker, president of the television network CNN, and James Goldston, of ABC News, before the end of 2021.
Interestingly, these layoffs are voluntary when those print or iconic television headlines generate impressive audiences and impressive revenues to ensure long-term sustainability. Those retiring bear the merits of advancing the internal processes of digital transformation that are today considered important references when it comes to replicating it in other parts of the world.
One peculiarity to take into account is that these leaders assumed their responsibilities at a time when their media was looking down, facing the debilitating tendencies of the traditional model, and enviably reviving and positioning them today.
Rather than beaming over their impressive successes, these leaders set an example for managers who are reluctant to change.
They humbly and bravely transfer the helm of command and strategies to the new blood of journalism, which today shows that the multimedia can tune into the new times, just as they will in due course.