Episode 154: Turning the Page: Leroy Chapman on Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Digital-Only Future and What it Means to Lead a Major Daily in a Contentious World

Leroy Chapman Jr., Editor-in-Chief of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, discusses the paper’s bold decision to go digital-only in 2026—making Atlanta the largest U.S. city without a printed daily. Chapman shares his vision for transforming local journalism in a polarized media landscape, and how he’s guiding one of the South’s most influential newsrooms through cultural, technological, and civic shifts. We explore his leadership philosophy, and the transformation of modern newsrooms. Chapman also reflects on his journey from reporter to editor-in-chief, including pivotal moments covering the rise of Barack Obama and Nikki Haley.