Meacham to the Washington Post, Zakaria to Newsweek?

GOING NATIONAL? Zakaria Len Downie has yet to formally step down as executive editor of the Washington Post, but the list of possible replacements is a mile long. Now, a source with intimate knowledge of the situation tells RadarOnline.com that Newsweek editor Jon Meacham is one of the leading candidates to become Downie's successor.

It's unclear both when Downie will step aside—although we're told it will be by January 20th—and when an official announcement regarding his replacement will be made. Meacham, who has been with Newsweek since 1995, was named editor in 2006. Of course, his departure from the staid newsweekly would make available the top slot at the mag as well—a position which RadarOnline.com hears Newsweek International editor Fareed Zakaria is actively pursuing.