THE Scots editor of The Sun, David Dinsmore, has been named No.24 in an annual listing by The Guardian newspaper of the ‘top 100 media folk’.
Placed ahead of Google’s Matt Brittin, at No.25, and behind Pearson’s John Fallon, at No.23, Dinsmore makes the list – now in its 13th year – for the first time. He is a former editor of The Scottish Sun.
The MediaGuardian listing says: “David Dinsmore became editor of the UK’s best-selling paper after the unexpected exit of Dominic Mohan, who held the top job for four years.
“If Mohan had steered The Sun through the most bruising period in its near-50-year history, then it is down to Dinsmore to steer it to a bright new future. A future behind a paywall, that is, launched last month amid much publicity and with the added attraction of Premier League football highlights.
“Glasgow-born Dinsmore, who began at The Scottish Sun more than 20 years ago, has also hinted at a more inclusive paper, although don’t expect topless models to disappear from page 3 (Ireland excepted) any time soon.
“Along with its well-documented digital challenge, Dinsmore must also look to halt the Sun’s declining sales and breathe new life into the Sun on Sunday.
“The hiring of former Press Complaints Commission director, Stephen Abell. as the Sun’s managing editor is another clear signal that Dinsmore is seeking to change perceptions of the paper.
“Dinsmore took charge of the paper at its lowest ebb, after a period in which more than 20 of its current and former executives and journalists have been arrested over alleged illegal payments to public officials. A dozen have been charged, three told they face no further action, while some of the rest remain on bail after more than a year – which has provoked anger in the press industry over police tactics.
“A trusted and shrewd operator for Rupert Murdoch, Dinsmore – known as ‘Dins’ or ‘Dinsy’ – has held various senior positions at News International, including editor of the Scottish edition of the Sun, News of the World night editor, acting managing editor and, most recently, NI director of operations.”
Meanwhile, former Daily Record, Scotsman and Scottish Daily Mail editor, Martin Clarke – now at Mail Online – is in at No.18.
And Scots screenwriter, Steven Moffat, is No.87.
