Marimow out as Inquirer editor; deputy named interim boss

William K. Marimow, the editor of The Inquirer, is being replaced by the paper's new owner but will remain on the staff as a reporter, it was announced Thursday.

The company's new management told Marimow that despite his national reputation as an outstanding print journalist, he did not have the background in digital media necessary to lead the paper going forward.

Marimow, 63, a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner, will continue at The Inquirer as an investigative reporter.

Stan Wischnowski, The Inquirer's deputy managing editor/operations and vice president for shared services, was named acting editor. He will be among the candidates to fill the open position, said Gregory J. Osberg, chief executive officer for Philadelphia Media Network Inc., the new owner of The Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News, and the website Philly.com.

The demotion of Marimow and appointment of Wischnowski came as Philadelphia Media Network prepared to finally take control of the local media company.

Philadelphia Media Network, owned by 32 financial institutions, purchased the papers and website at auction Sept. 23. The new company emerges from a 20-month bankruptcy Friday.

Osberg said there were other executive-level dismissals Thursday. They included Richard Thayer, executive vice president for finance, and Scott Baker, general counsel.

Additional management changes could be announced as early as Friday.

Osberg was effusive in his praise of Marimow, who won his Pulitzers in 1977 and 1985 as an Inquirer reporter and has led the paper since 2006.

"Bill has improved The Inquirer dramatically," Osberg said. "We are now one of the strongest metropolitan papers in the country. I appreciate everything he has contributed to the organization, and I am excited he will continue as one of our leading investigative reporters."

Osberg said he had a "deep commitment" to investigative reporting at The Inquirer, the Daily News, and Philly.com.

He said he also was committed to improving and expanding Philly.com, and introducing new online products. He said he wanted The Inquirer newsroom directed by someone experienced in digital media.

"As we exit bankruptcy after 20 months, the company needs to accelerate its integration of its various brands and platforms," Osberg said in an interview. "I want to create an editorial structure that will ensure that success."