Le Monde editor resigns in digital transition crisis

The managing editor of France’s prestigious daily paper Le Monde has resigned, following a newsroom rebellion over how it is handling the transition to the digital era. Natalie Nougayrede claimed she was being undermined by members of her staff.

Nathalie Nougayrède in 2013 AFP

Last week most of Le Monde’s chief editors resigned, complaining of a communications breakdown with top management.

"I cannot accept being undermined as head of the paper," Nougayrede said in her resignation letter on Wednesday.

She no longer has the authority to do her job with the "peace of mind and serenity" necessary, she said.

On Friday her two deputies, who have also been criticised by a large part of the newsroom, stepped down.

The junior editors claim that Nougayrede, who replaced the highly respected Erik Izraelewicz who died of a heart attack in November 2012, is “very difficult to talk to”, an anonymous source told the AFP news agency.

Centre-left Le Monde had a circulation of 330,000 last year, slightly lower than right-wing Le Figaro.

It has been expanding its website but many staff criticise management’s handling of the transition.