Top Editors Including Birnbaum Leaving Wash Times

Washington Times Managing Editor for Digital Jeffrey Birnbaum has resigned effective Friday, and several other top editors are being let go as the dismantling of the conservative newspaper continues, according to newsroom sources.

An all-staff meeting has been called for 3:30 p.m. ET at the struggling Times, which announced earlier this month it is laying off at least 40 percent of its staff.

Birnbaum, a former columnist for the Washington Post, will write a column for the Times and work as a news consultant for the paper. He was recruited by then-executive editor John Solomon from the Post in August 2008.

The Post reported today that Times sports journalists fear their section will be killed by week's end.

Here's Birnbaum's e-mail announcing the resignation, given to us by a newsroom source:

Friends,

I have resigned effective at the end of Friday as Managing Editor-Digital of The Washington Times, but have agreed to write a column and to consult for the paper about news. It has been an honor and a privilege to work with so many good and talented people.

All best,

Jeff

Late Update: Times spokesman Don Meyer sends along a statement that confirms the Birnbaum departure, and announces other changes:

"Our market-based, forward-looking plan is both a response to the recessionary economy, continued downward financial pressures on the news industry and our transition into a 21st century multimedia enterprise," said Washington Times President and Publisher Jonathan Slevin.

Effective Monday, January 4, a new local print edition will focus on the core strengths of The Washington Times for local, national and international audiences with an emphasis on investigative reporting and coverage of national politics, geopolitics, international and domestic business and economics, and cultural issues. The new print edition will also include national news, sports features, and in-depth local reporting.

Newsroom leadership and management positions announced include the following: Christopher Dolan, National Politics Editor; Jerry Seper, Investigative Editor; Victor Morton, News Editor; and John Bourantos, Night Editor. Other newsroom positions yet to be announced are Editor, Geopolitics Editor, International Business Editor, Online Editor, and News Director.

Brett Decker, currently Managing Editor, Editorial and Commentary Pages, was promoted to the position of Editorial Page Editor.

Current Managing Editor-Digital Jeff Birnbaum has resigned his management position and will continue as a Washington Times columnist covering Washington policy and politics.

Our full coverage of the Washington Times can be read here.v

Late Late Update: The twitter feed of the Times sports section says the last edition will run Friday. And newsroom sources tell TPM that all of the sports staff, and nearly all of both the photo and the features staffs, have been laid off. Several veteran reporters and editors received the axe as well, but there is great uncertainty in the newsroom since many people are on vacation.