The digital editor at the Daily Record and Sunday Mail newspapers has been appointed editor for STV's forthcoming network of hyper-local websites.
At the Record and Mail for almost three years, Iain Hepburn was responsible for editorial content, direction and the development of websites. Prior to that, he has worked for Mirror.co.uk, ManchesterOnline.co.uk and the Press & Journal newspaper, among other print and digital media. Last year, he was awarded Multimedia Journalist of the Year at the Scottish Press Awards.
His appointment at STV Local will begin with the launch of a pilot website in North Lanarkshire this month, before the network of sites starts being extended to throughout Scotland.
Hepburn joins STV hard on the heels of it taking on David Milne – previously group digital editor with the Herald and Times Group – as executive editor of STV Local.
STV is recruiting a team of journalists, researchers, regional editors and community editors for the soon-to-be-launched digital initiative.
In a STV statement, Hepburn is quoted, saying: “This is a tremendous opportunity for me to be involved in one of the most exciting digital projects in Scotland. Naturally, I'm sad to leave the Record, and value the time I've had there; however, I'm very much looking forward to being part of STV Local which will reach out to communities across the whole of Scotland.”
Adds Alistair Brown, head of digital at STV: “Iain’s digital and editorial background is a great fit for the growing STV Local team. He will bring valuable experience and skills to this major initiative and I look forward to welcoming him on board.”
