Did you hear?… Climbing still alive and kicking

Though much of the news surrounding Climbing magazine of late as revolved around departures, Climbing is very much alive and well, and just announced promotions and changes to the management team and staff. Jonathan Thesenga has been promoted to editor, replacing former editor Michael Benge. Thesenga has been a contributor to the magazine since 1996. Matt Stanley has been promoted to senior editor and has hired contributing editor Matt Samet (a contributor since 1996) to the fulltime position of Associate Editor. The magazine reports Thesenga will soon name a new photo editor. Julie Oldham, the magazine’s advertising director, continues to direct the advertising sales efforts. Oldham will soon name a new advertising manager, while Tom Mercer continues to direct the classified sales efforts. Scott Leonard continues to manage the single copy sales efforts to specialty retailers in the climbing market. SNEWS® View: We’re glad to see a few familiar names on the masthead at least, albeit most with new titles. All the change for Climbing is a good thing for them if the change is embraced. We would expect to see Climbing editorial and direction more firmly embrace the youthful energy its young staff brings to play, though it is doubtful they’ll completely abandon the more traditional editorial presentations to interject fresh vigor.