Washington Post's Downie retires

Replacement will be announced soon

By SAM THIELMAN

Washington Post exec editor Leonard Downie has retired. His last day will be Sept. 8.

Post publisher Katharine Weymouth will be announcing his replacement soon. Downie reportedly said that "a new, younger publisher needs a new, younger editor."

The paper's own reporting puts Post managing editor Philip Bennett and recently ousted Wall Street Journal managing editor Marcus Brauchli among the contenders for Downie's spot, as well as New York Times deputy managing editor Jonathan Landsman.

The Post has bought out a number of newsroom employees in recent weeks, including author and assistant managing editor Bob Woodward and political columnist David Broder.