Jeff Babineau has been named editor of Golfweek, replacing Dave Seanor, effective immediately.
The change has been made after Golfweek ran a cover in the January 19 issue showing a noose to illustrate a controversial comment by Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman about Tiger Woods.
“We apologize for creating this graphic cover that received extreme negative reaction from consumers, subscribers and advertisers across the country,” said William P. Kupper Jr., president of Turnstile Publishing Co., the parent company of Golfweek. “We were trying to convey the controversial issue with a strong and provocative graphic image. It is now obvious that the overall reaction to our cover deeply offended many people. For that, we are deeply apologetic.”
Golfweek devoted four pages of news and commentary on the Tilghman/Golf Channel situation. Tilghman was suspended for two weeks as a result of her comment.
Babineau, 45, has been with Golfweek for nine years, and has filled a number of roles with the magazine, including editor, deputy editor and senior writer. In his new role, he will report directly to Kupper.
“We know we have a job ahead of us to re-earn the trust and confidence of many loyal readers,” Babineau said. “Our staff is very passionate about the game. Our wish is that one regretful error does not erase more than 30 years of service we’ve dedicated to this industry.”
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