Kosner exits News, paper must pick path.

When the 'Daily News' last week announced the retirement of Editor in Chief Edward Kosner, its archrival the 'New York Post' couldn't help but gloat. After all, some speculate that the editor is being pushed out because the celebrity-filled and gossip-heavy 'Post' has nearly closed the circulation gap between the two papers since its Australian editor, Col Allan, came to town two years ago. Even more flattering to Mr. Allan's brand of journalism, former 'National Enquirer' Editor in Chief Steve Coz has been rumored to be a candidate to replace the venerable Mr. Kosner, who had led 'Esquire' and 'Newsweek' in the past. 'The Daily News' sold an average of 737,030 copies on weekdays in the six months ended March 31, but sales grew just 1% over the last three years, according to the Audit Bureau of Circulations. According to Competitive Media Reporting, advertising revenues at the 'Post' and 'The News' declined in the first six months of 2003. Mr. Kosner wouldn't comment on the search for his successor but denied that he was asked to leave by his boss, Mortimer Zuckerman.