Andrew Morse Departs; Paul Curran Leads AJC

Andrew Morse, president and publisher since Jan 2023, announced his resignation effective June 30, 2026. Cox Enterprises named Paul Curran, senior Cox Media executive, as his successor, effective June 29.

Paul Curran to succeed Andrew Morse as AJC publisher and president

Morse launched a $150 million plan to convert the 158-year-old daily to a digital-only model. The AJC stopped printing on Jan 1, 2025, making Atlanta the largest metro market without a major printed newspaper. A 15 percent staff cut in early 2026 funded the digital shift.

NPR

Digital subscriptions rose from 53 000 in 2023 to just over 101 000 by early 2026. The 500 000-subscriber target for 2026 has been pushed to the decade’s end. The newsroom now makes up more than half of the AJC’s 320 staff, and the paper earned a Peabody for video coverage of ICE enforcement in Georgia.

Paul Curran to succeed Andrew Morse as AJC publisher and president

The shift reflects a broader industry move to digital revenue as print advertising declines. Atlanta’s loss of a printed daily raises concerns about local news access, while the AJC’s digital growth aims to preserve investigative reporting and community engagement.

Paul Curran to succeed Andrew Morse as AJC publisher and president

Cox Enterprises reaffirmed its commitment to quality journalism; CEO Alex Taylor called the AJC “integral to Atlanta’s story.” Shereta Williams said the organization now operates with a digital-first focus and aims for rapid growth. Curran said he will “empower our journalists and evolve our products” to broaden readership. Morse cited family considerations and a “bittersweet” reason for leaving after three years of commuting between New York and Atlanta.

The Wrap

Analyst Ken Doctor warned the all-digital gamble could lead to “a significant failure,” urging close monitoring. Morse also noted “Google Zero,” where search engines drive near-zero traffic to original reporting, and the disruptive impact of AI platforms on web visits.

NPR

NPR says the 500 000 subscriber goal is now “pushed back to the end of the decade,” while TheWrap still references the original 2026 deadline without confirming a new date. Williams projects break-even “in a few years,” but no detailed fiscal timeline is public.

The Wrap

• “We have been on a great journey with the AJC ... trying to transform a really proud, storied daily newspaper into a modern media company,” — Andrew Morse, former president and publisher

NPR

• “The verdict isn't in. But we'll get there.” — Andrew Morse, NPR interview

NPR

• “The AJC is essential to how Atlanta and the Southeast stay informed, engaged, and connected,” — Paul Curran, staff statement

The Wrap

• “Good journalism makes us stronger as a community by holding public leaders accountable and helping all of us make sense of a changing world,” — Alex Taylor, Cox Enterprises CEO

The Wrap

Paul Curran will assume the presidency on June 29, overseeing continued digital subscriber acquisition, newsroom expansion, and new multimedia product launches while the AJC monitors financial performance over the coming years.

Paul Curran to succeed Andrew Morse as AJC publisher and president