Cauthorn departs SFGate.com

Posted on Romensko’s media Memos page today was a copy of this:

4/7/2004 8:31:51 AM

Memo from San Francisco Chronicle publisher Steve Falk

TO: Management Staff/Digital Media Staff

FROM: Steve Falk

Under Robert Cauthorn’s guidance for the last three and one-half years,the San Francisco Chronicle’s digital operations, known as the SFGate, have reached record levels of traffic, revenue, audience and national stature. Digital operations at the Chronicle also delivered their first profitable year in their history.

However, Cauthorn and Chronicle management have different views on the future direction of digital operations at The Chronicle. As a result Cauthorn has decided to leave the company effective today, April 6. Cauthorn wishes the San Francisco Chronicle all the best going forward and is sure that the successes of recent years will be accelerated in the future. Chronicle management also wishes Bob the best in his future endeavors.

Last month, I profiled Cauthorn in Online Journalism Review. His departure is a loss for the industry.

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