Aluf Benn has been named editor-in-chief of Hebrew daily "Haaretz", replacing Dov Alfon, who held the position for the past three years.
"Haaretz" said that Alfon was leaving the paper to establish a new digital enterprise in cooperation with the Haaretz Group. However, sources claim that he departure was due to disagreements with publisher Amos Schocken.
Benn, 46, began his career as a reporter for the weekly “Ha’ir.” He joined "Ha'aretz" 22 years ago. He has held a number of positions at the paper, including political correspondent, head of the news desk, and, for the past two and a half years, op-ed editor and political commentator. He was recently offered a similar post at Hebrew daily "Ma'ariv", controlled by Nochi Dankner.
Alfon's departure after three years as editor-in-chief came after Leonid Nevzlin became a shareholder in "Haaretz", which was owned by the Schocken family. Sources at the paper say that Alfon and some correspondents were angry at the change in the paper's ownership structure. Two months ago, Alfon threatened to resign, but retracted.
Benn said, “I am thrilled to head the best team of editors, writers and designers in Israel and lead it in fulfilling Haaretz’s public mission as a watchdog of Israeli democracy."
Amos Schocken said, “Dov Alfon concludes an excellent term as editor in chief of Haaretz. Unfortunately, I was unable to persuade him to make it much longer. He led the paper through quite a difficult period of economic crisis, the war in Gaza, and the challenge of a wave of nationalism."
Alfon wished Benn success.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 1, 2011
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