Assessing the Ups and Downs at WSJ

New York magazine has updated its guide to who’s up and whose down at The Wall Street Journal now that News Corp. CEO Rupert Murdoch has gotten approval to purchase its parent company, Dow Jones & Co.

Up

Paul Steiger, former managing editor and now editor-at-large.
He’s apparently been approached about being a member of the News Corp. board, but he hasn’t decided yet whether to accept.

Dan Hertzberg, international editor.
Murdoch has promised to invest in overseas coverage and expand the paper in Europe and Asia, potentially empowering Steiger’s former lieutenant, now based in London.

Down

Marcus Brauchli, managing editor.
Recently promoted; would lose power to Steiger or Robert Thomson, the Times of London editor who might become publisher/Murdoch go-between.

Gordon Crovitz, publisher.
Could get axed if Murdoch brings in Thomson. Some insiders believe he’s too cerebral and careful for News Corp. anyway. Told his own paper, “I’d certainly like to stay.�

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