“John Rockwell, editor of The New York Times’ Sunday Arts & Leisure section for the past four years, steps down from the influential post today. He will move into the newly created position of senior cultural correspondent, writing cultural news stories and criticism.

Since it became public last December, the impending shift has caused widespread concern in the arts community, particularly because of the Times ‘ stated wish to further emphasize pop culture in the Arts & Leisure section. Under Rockwell’s guidance, it has developed into perhaps the country’s most prominent source of performing arts commentary, with coverage of everything from movies to music, from the mainstream to the fringe.” Andante