Washington Post editor to step down

Washington Post Executive Editor Leonard Downie Jr. announced his retirement after 17 years in that role, making way for a new editor to lead the newspaper’s transition into the digital age.

Downie, 66, worked up the ranks as an investigative reporter and editor, London correspondent and national editor. He said that after his Sept. 8 departure he would stay on as a vice president at large at Washington Post Co., the same title held by his predecessor, Ben Bradlee.

The Washington Post won many accolades during Downie’s tenure, including 25 Pulitzer Prizes. Like other newspapers, the Post has struggled with shrinking circulation, declining ad revenue and job cuts. Downie said his replacement would be announced soon.