The editor of Nine Entertainment’s The Age Alex Lavelle exited the newspaper on Thursday.
His departure ends a 20-year career with the masthead.
Mr Lavelle began as editor in December 2016.
In a note just sent to all staff, executive editor James Chessell said the newspaper’s world editor and former news director Michelle Griffin had been appointed acting editor of The Age while the Hugh Marks-led media company conducted “an extensive search for a permanent editor”.
“External and internal candidates will be considered,” Mr Chessell said.
“I am seeking a strong leader who will fight hard for the masthead, our readers and the issues that affect all Victorians.
“It is imperative they maintain The Age’s independence and preserve its unparalleled track record of high-impact, public interest journalism.”
News of Mr Lavelle’s departure follows controversy in recent days concerning the masthead’s coverage of the Black Deaths in Custody protest in Melbourne.
Journalists were unhappy with The Age’s reporting and accompanying editorial, expressing their displeasure in a letter to Mr Chessell and Mr Lavelle.
Mr Chessell in response said he was angry about the errors, but denied that The Age’s coverage had become politicised.
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