TRIBUTES have been pouring in for football broadcaster and commentator, Arthur Montford, who has died, aged 85.
Begins The Scotsman, which devotes most of its page three to him (here): “Arthur Montford, the legendary Scottish sports commentator, as famous for his checkered sports jackets as his classic lines, ‘What a stramash’ and ‘Disaster for Scotland’, has died, aged 85.”
And The Courier begins (here): “Legendary football broadcaster Arthur Montford, famous for his checked sports jackets and turn of phrase, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85.
“The regular presenter and commentator of Scotsport on Scottish TV [now STV] for three decades, Montford was a household name across Scotland as he brought the game into people’s living rooms.”
He was also a print journalist, a golf writer. Indeed, he filed what was to prove his final copy for Glasgow-based bunkered golf magazine only last month. As the magazine reports, here, he was its longest-serving contributor.
STV’s report of his passing can be found, here, which includes a discussion about Montford during the stations’s Scotland Tonight programme, last night.
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BEGINS the BBC: “What’s on [in Edinburgh and Glasgow] guide, The List, is to become a free title with an increased print run from next year.
“The listings and reviews publication will also move from a monthly issue to every two months.
“The print run will increase from 18,000 to 25,000 and drop its £2.50 price with costs being covered by an increase in advertising.
“The preview and weekly issues during the Edinburgh festival season will continue.”
Read more, here.
And read The List’s announcement regarding its future – here – including about “new investment, new editor, new editorial focus, move to free publications and more List parties”.
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A SENIOR figure at the publishers of the Daily Record, Sunday Mail and several Scots local newspapers has had his responsibilities extended.
Jonathan Russell has been named publishing director at Media Scotland, adding the Record and the Mail to the role he previously held, involving Media Scotland’s local titles.
Says Media Scotland, in an announcement: “Jonathan’s current editorial management responsibilities for local titles will extend to cover the Daily Record and Sunday Mail.
“While local editors will still report to Jonathan, he will support Daily Record editor, Murray Foote, and Sunday Mail editor, Jim Wilson, on management, training and development, legal and IPSO [Independent Press Standards Organisation].”
He will be reporting to Media Scotland managing director, Allan Rennie. Russell’s CV includes having been editor of The Herald.
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BEGINS a media release posted on allmediascotland: “Glasgow-based Celtic Music Radio 95FM presenter, Gordon Hotchkiss – and his programme, ‘Hotchkiss Hotchpotch’ – have been nominated in the Trad Music in the Media category of this year’s MG Alba Scots Trad Music Awards.”
Read more, here.
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THE most powerful 100 people in Scotland? The Herald newspaper has a go today at collating a list.
You on it?
Certainly, Allan Rennie, managing director of Trinity Mirror’s Scotland operation – Media Scotland – is, at No. 56.
As is Ken MacQuarrie, the BBC’s Scotland director – at No. 67. With colleague, John Boothman, head of news at BBC Scotland – at No. 70.
In at No. 88 is journalist and columnist, Lesley Riddoch, with food writer and Sunday Herald restaurant reviewer, Joanna Blythman, tucked in, two places behind, at No. 90.
And at No. 98 is STV chief executive, Rob Woodward.
Take a look, here.
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BEGINS holdthefrontpage.co.uk: “Further editorial redundancies are to be made across [the publisher of The Scotsman, several Scots local newspapers and many other papers across the UK] Johnston Press titles following an video announcement to staff by chief executive, Ashley Highfield.
“In a video broadcast to all JP staff earlier this week, Ashley said the company needed to go further in its cost-cutting drive due to the ‘changing demands’ of readers and advertisers, and confirmed there would be redundancies at ‘one or two’ of JP’s regional publishing units.”
Read more, here.
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SAYS an announcement by the Glasgow-based International Network of Street Papers (such as The Big Issue magazine): “Award-winning social entrepreneur, Fay Selvan, has been appointed as the new chair of INSP.
“Selvan will lead the INSP board as they work closely with the chief executive to form the strategic direction of the organisation. She has been on the board since August 2013.”
Read more, here.
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