'Village Voice' Editor Forst Resigns

By: E&P Staff Village Voice Editor Don Forst resigned today after more than nine years at the helm of New York City's top alternative weekly.

During his tenure, the paper went free, won a Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting, and changed ownership twice. Most recently, the Voice announced that it would merge with the bigger alt-weekly chain New Times, a move that was expected to hasten his departure.

"A number of prospects have presented themselves and I think this is an opportune time to explore them," Forst said in an e-mail to the Voice staff. "These nine years have been exciting for me because of what this paper does and what it represents to the city; and that's because of all of you. I am proud of all that we have accomplished together."

In a separate e-mail to staff, Voice Publisher Judy Miszner said of Forst, "Don has held the Voice to the highest levels of professionalism and journalistic integrity."

The Voice reported Monday that Forst will remain at the paper through the end of the year, and managing editor Doug Simmons will serve as acting editor-in-chief.