Editor in Chief Harry McCracken Returns to PCW

In a surprise announcement, Robert Carrigan, president of IDG Communications, told PC World's staff today that "Harry McCracken has decided to remain with PC World as vice-president, editor in chief."

"[CEO] Colin Crawford will be rejoining the IDG management team as executive vice president, online. In this role, he will be responsible for driving IDG's online strategy and initiatives in support of our Web-centric business focus," Carrigan said. "We will conduct a search for a new CEO to lead PC World and Macworld."

McCracken tendered his resignation on April 30 after Crawford refused to allow publication of a story entitled "10 Things We Hate About Apple." McCracken said that the story was killed (it is now running on PCWorld.com) because of Crawford's concerns about the impact it would have on Apple advertising. Crawford denied that was the reason for killing the story, but has since apologized to the editorial staff for the decision.

The resignation sparked an outpouring of coverage, which you can read here, and reader protest, including subscription cancellations.

Carrigan said, "Colin has been very successful in helping set online strategy and communicate it both inside and outside IDG. As he told me, 'I am glad to return to a position where I can raise our profile and contribute to the exciting transformation of our company around the world.'"

Crawford said, "It's excellent news that Harry has decided to stay on at PC World as the editorial leader. I am excited to move back to a corporate role at IDG as EVP Online, where I can focus on various online opportunities for IDG, both in the U.S. and on a global basis."

For his part, McCracken said "I'm thrilled to be back with the PC World team. IDG is a company I've loved working for over the past 16 years, and one with a remarkable history of enabling editors to serve our customers--the millions of people who depend on our content online and in print."