THE representative body of Scotland’s local newspapers is to get a new director.
Following the imminent retirement of Jim Raeburn, the Scottish Newspaper Publishers Association has appointed Simon Fairclough as its new director.
He is also to be director of the Scottish Print Employers Federation, again succeeding Raeburn.
Fairclough has been appointed from the Edinburgh Solicitors Property Centre, where he has been for the last 12 years – in marketing, communications and public relations.
Said Fairclough “In this age of media turbulence, thriving print and newspaper publishing sectors remain crucial for Scotland’s standing as an educated, lively and prosperous nation.
“I very much look forward to working closely with industry players – large and small – to help cultivate the right conditions for innovation, promotion and, ultimately, sustained competitive advantage. As an early priority, I intend to meet the principals of as many of SPEF and SNPA members as I can. I am eager to begin.”
Raeburn is retiring from the posts after 23 years; indeed, he is only the fourth director of SPEF since it was founded in 1910.
Said SPEF president, Terry O’Hare: “I believe Simon is an outstanding choice to take the Federation forward. His skills and experience in a members’ organisation will be of great value.”
Added Bill Laidlaw, president of Scottish Newspaper Publishers Association: “Simon’s specialist skills in marketing would be particularly valuable in promoting the unique strengths of the Scottish weekly Press.”
While he has also said he is standing down as a director of the National Council for the Training of Journalists, Raeburn is to continue as director of the Scottish Daily Newspaper Society and secretary and treasurer of the Press Standards Board of Finance Ltd, the funding body for the Press Complaints Commission.
