**James Ledbetter, Renowned Media Critic and Journalist, Passes Away at 60**

James Ledbetter, a former stalwart of media criticism known for his incisive commentary and leadership roles in notable publications, has died at the age of 60 at his Manhattan home.

Ledbetter made his mark in the 1990s with his astute observations in the Press Clips column for The Village Voice, where he gained recognition for his insightful analysis of both local and national media landscapes. Seth Rogovoy from The Berkshire Eagle lauded his work in 1995, describing his columns as "razor-sharp dissections" of the nation's print media.

Throughout his career, Ledbetter held prominent positions, most notably as the editor in chief of Inc. magazine. In addition to his role at Inc., he founded an online financial technology newsletter, further cementing his influence in business journalism.

Michael Tomasky, editor of The New Republic, and a close friend of Ledbetter, described him as a "voracious reader of tabloids" who played a significant role in the surge of media criticism during his tenure. Ledbetter's ability to consume and critique the four major tabloids simultaneously highlighted his dedication and analytical prowess in the field.

A notable moment in his career was in 1998 when he critiqued New York State's decision to award The New York Post a $12.9-million grant to prevent the newspaper from relocating to New Jersey. This incident showcased Ledbetter's commitment to holding media and government entities accountable.

Ledbetter's legacy is one of sharp intellect and unwavering dedication to media criticism and journalism, leaving an indelible mark on those who followed his work.