IT’S a return to newspaper publishers, Newsquest, for Donald Martin, who has rejoined the publisher of The Herald, Sunday Herald, the Evening Times, The National and several Scots local newspapers.
Named editor-in-chief of Newsquest Scotland, his appointment is accompanied by news that acting editor-in-chief, Graeme Smith, has been named editor of The Herald.
Says an announcement from Newsquest Scotland, Smith becomes “the 27th editor of The Herald in its 233-year history as the oldest continuously-published English language paper in the world”.
The announcement adds: “He will deputise for the editor-in-chief”.
And it says of Martin’s appointment, who is a former editor of The Herald and also the Evening Times and joins from DC Thomson, where he has most recently held the post of head of Publishing (consumer entertainment): “[He] will lead some 200 journalists and a stable of titles that comprises the Sunday Herald, Evening Times, The National and 23 other daily and weekly brands and associated web sites and social media.”
The Newsquest Scotland managing director, Graham Morrison, is quoted, as saying: “Donald Martin brings a new era of flair, innovation and drive to one of the most senior editorial roles in the Scottish media.
“His strategic focus, record of success in print and digital and huge potential hold great promise for our pan-Scottish portfolio of print titles and digital products at this time of huge change in the media industry.
“He will lead talented and committed title editors, each focused on best serving readers of their individual brands. I am delighted that Graeme Smith joins that team.”
The title editors include Evening Times editor Graham Shields, The National editor Callum Baird and Sunday Herald editor Neil Mackay.
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LESS ‘hot off the press’ is news (from earlier this month) that Scots journalist – and former editor of The Scottish Sun – Gordon Smart is stepping down as deputy editor of The Sun.
Began a report of the move in trade website, Press Gazette: “Sun deputy editor, Gordon Smart, is leaving the paper after 14 years to focus on his business and broadcasting career.”
Smart is quoted, as saying: “Fourteen years have passed in the blink of an eye. I did my first shift at The Sun when I was 22 and bow out almost ten years to the day since I took over the Bizarre column.
“My time editing Bizarre and The Scottish Sun have given me some of the most incredible memories. I’ll never forget the small amount I can remember.
“I wish Sun readers, my friends and colleagues at [publishers] News UK all the very best for the future.
“I can’t wait to take the next step in my career and start my own business, with more details soon.”
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AND just in from BBC Wales: “BBC Wales has appointed Colin Paterson as the new editor of BBC Radio Wales. Currently editor of General Programmes at BBC Radio Scotland, he will step into the new role in the New Year.”
The announcement continues: “Colin is already well known at Radio Wales, where he was previously executive producer from 2010 to 2013.
“Before joining the BBC, Colin worked extensively across the commercial radio sector, launching the speech station, Talk 107 in Edinburgh, before becoming programme controller at Red Dragon Radio in Cardiff in 2008.”
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