Another big exit from the Los Angeles Times, and another hit to the paper's national profile. Washington columnist Brownstein is joining Atlantic Media, publisher of The Atlantic and National Journal, in the new position of Political Director. From the memo at Romenesko:

Brownstein, most recently the National Affairs Columnist for the Los Angeles Times, has also served as the Times’ National Political Correspondent and the author of the weekly Washington Outlook column. Mr. Brownstein is a National Journal alumnus, having served as the magazine’s White House and National Politics Correspondent from 1983-1986, and then as its West Coast Correspondent through 1989. He will join the staff of Atlantic Media on September 24.

At Atlantic Media, Brownstein will write a weekly column for National Journal and regularly contribute other pieces for National Journal and The Atlantic, as well as other publications within National Journal Group’s print and online portfolio including CongressDaily, The Hotline, and NationalJournal.com. He will help coordinate political coverage and activities across publications produced by Atlantic Media, as well as participate in the development and launch of new ventures and partnerships. In addition, he will provide insight on the latest political news and developments as an on-air political analyst through National Journal Group’s partnerships with MSNBC and XM Satellite Radio.

Says Brownstein: "Only a remarkable opportunity could convince me to leave the Los Angeles Times, where I’ve been honored to work with great journalists and colleagues for nearly two decades." Noted: I'm told the Times will keep running Brownstein's columns.

* Howard Kurtz: "Brownstein was a classic beat reporter at the Times, but was somewhat constrained after his wife joined John McCain's staff and shifted to the role of op-ed columnist." WashPost