Robbins steps down at St. Louis Post-Dispatch

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Arnie Robbins is stepping down as editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and will be replaced by editorial page editor Gilbert Bailón.

Publisher Kevin Mowbray announced the changes Friday in a posting on the newspaper's website (http://bit.ly/J8gJd1).

Robbins' last day will be May 18. He has been at the Post-Dispatch for 15 years, more than six of them as editor following seven years as managing editor.

"Arnie has been the driving force of the newsroom and will be missed by everyone," Mowbray said. "It was his leadership that guided the award-winning newsroom to produce strong investigative journalism, top-notch breaking news, and the beginning of our journey into our strong digital future."

Robbins told the staff the change was his decision, saying it's time to embark on the next chapter of his life.

"I've been in this business for 37 years and the last 15 years at the Post-Dispatch," he said. "I have loved it - the work, the journalism, this newsroom, this company. It's been rewarding, sometimes even wonderful. I have a zillion great memories."

Bailón has been editorial page editor since November 2007. He was previously executive editor and vice president of the Dallas Morning News, and has also worked at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The Los Angeles Daily News, The San Diego Union and The Kansas City Star.

Mowbray called Bailón "a strong and talented team leader with knowledge of our newsroom, our industry and our community."

Bailón said he was "excited for the opportunity to lead the newsroom as we evolve our print and digital products. Our future is bright and meaningful journalism remains our foundation and strength as we keep news content central to our readers' lives."


Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch at http://www.stltoday.com