10:04 am Mar. 19, 20136
Another top editor is saying goodbye to the Daily News, the latest in a slow but steady turnover in the paper's newsroom in the year since former British tabloid editor Colin Myler took the reins to gird the News for battle against its long-time rival, the New York Post.
John Oswald, a News veteran who was given the features desk about a year ago, is leaving, Capital has learned. Oswald came to the News in 1997, which makes him one of the longest-serving editors at the paper behind its No. 2 editor, Arthur Browne.
Oswald declined to comment when reached by phone Monday, and our sources couldn't say whether there's a plan to replace him or when he'll leave. But he's believed to be negotiating a quiet exit.
Oswald inherited a features desk that's been steeped in tumult over the last three years. Long-time features editor Orla Healy was fired in September 2010 under Myler's predecessor, Kevin Convey. Her successor, Robert Heisler, another old-guard News editor, died of cancer last spring.
Oswald, who had previously been deputy managing editor for news, was tapped to take over features after Heisler's health worsened. During his time in the position, he's ramped up celebrity coverage and revamped the gossip pages as well as resurrecting restaurant reviews and fashion spreads.
Journalists at the paper are wondering whether the move portends a wider shake-up. Those in the outer-borough bureaus are said to be feeling particularly vulnerable as Myler continues to reshape the News into an edgier read that can go head-to-head with the Post, a course correction from the neighborhood strategy that was championed by Convey.
A News spokesman declined to comment, citing a policy of not discussing personnel matters.
He's a great news man. They're stupid.
New York and it's people don't need TWO New York Posts.
its*
It was a pleasure working with John Oswald. He is a great man.
Another great loss to the NYDN. Having worked for many years with John, I can tell you he is one of the hardest working Editors I have ever met. He still found time to mentor new reporters and interns. He will be greatly missed by all.
powerfuluv wrote on March 24, 2013, 8:12 PM [Link]
Another great loss to the NYDN. Having worked for many years with John, I can tell you he is one of the hardest working Editors I have ever met. He still found time to mentor new reporters and interns. He will be greatly missed by all.