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April 26, 2013

Journalism Weekly – Redundant: Editor who increased sales against the odds

By Press Gazette

Redundant: Editor who increased sales against the odds

Johnston Press has confirmed a proposal to make one of its most successful weekly newspaper editors redundant.

"I’m disappointed for the town that there isn’t going to be someone there all the time to give after-dinner speeches, hand out trophies, go to schools and talk to youngsters about being a journalist.

“Ed will be able to do some of that, but there is only so much you can do in the two days a week I understand he is going to be able to spend here.”

3 Thurlbeck in web TalentGB launch

Former News of the World chief reporter Neville Thurlbeck has launched an ambitious new online venture called TalentGB.

Describing itself as the “the UK entertainment industry’s only one stop talent shop for artistes of every genre to display their showreels and take bookings” TalentGB aims to make money by charging all those listed a £19.99 annual subscription (the first 1,000 listings will be free). It also carries advertising.
 

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4 Media reporter Torin Douglas leaves ‘unhappy’ BBC after 24 years in role

Outgoing BBC media correspondent Torin Douglas believes he is leaving a corporation with low staff morale.

“A lot of BBC staff are unhappy about the pay of their managers, the way the BBC is managed and so on.”

6 Axed Whitby Gazette editor Jon Stokoe: ‘I lived and breathed the job’

The campaign to save the job of Whitby Gazette editor Jon Stokoe was probably doomed to failure from the start.

“I would like to say thank you to Press Gazette for the support, to local people in Whitby and the support I have had further afield from people who have lived in Whitby.

“There has also been great support from people I really respect in the industry, people who have a lot more experience than myself. It just goes to show the importance of local newspapers.”

8 Defamation Act changes landscape for free speech

Journalists are set to have greater protection from being sued for libel after the Defamation Bill was passed by the Commons this week.

The long-awaited Defamation Act now needs to be enacted by the Government via a statutory instrument. The law cleared its final Parliamentary hurdle after MPs did not contest a new amendment restricting the ability of companies to sue for libel.

9 Belgravia benefits mum failed to gag Sunday Times

A mother of six on benefits who was reported to be asking that she be rehoused in an exclusive London area failed in a bid to gag The Sunday Times, it has emerged.

“This case demonstrates how important it is that nothing in the post-Leveson regulatory regime makes it easier to keep public interest stories out of the public domain.”

10 Porn baron Loaded owner reveals all: ‘Don’t worry, I’ll keep my clothes on’

When self-proclaimed “porn baron” Paul Baxendale-Walker bought lads’ magazine Loaded last year it was reasonably assumed the title might be taken a step down market.

Despite being a former lawyer and published author, Baxendale-Walker’s association with pornography – he has also produced and starred in films – overrides all else in his public image.

“And it enables us to give more photoshoots to the girlies, which is very important because we’re part of social services.

“We’re keeping these poor girls warm and fed and clothed and off the streets. Quite a few of them are single mums, you know. So we are actually in social service.”

12 The rival Royal Charter dilemma

The stage is set for a historic clash between Parliament and the press as the majority of the newspaper industry rejects the cross-party press regulation Royal Charter just weeks before it goes to the Queen for approval.

The industry plan is based closely on the Royal Charter on press regulation put forward by the Conservatives after negotiations with representatives from the industry. But it differs in several respects from the Charter agreed after discussions between the three main political parties and Hacked Off.

14 Websites could destroy print editions but don’t have to

Nothing I have yet read comes near to a 2010 New York Times piece in articulating the challenge and the cultural change required by traditional print publishers in the digital age. Written by Jeremy Peters about The Atlantic’s move from behind the paywall two years earlier, it begins:

The New York Times, for one, claims that digital subscriptions have helped stem the decline in print subs

16 Author John Dale takes 24 Hours in Journalism global

Former Take-a-Break editor John Dale has announced the winners of his unique project, 24 Hours In World Journalism, which aims to capture a narrative of one news cycle.

“One Day. One World. One Billion Stories. Telling the story of those who tell the story. You write a snapshot of your day hour by hour, using your stories to illustrate your experience as a journalist in your region.”
 

17 Best unveils new look to overcome circulation woes of women’s weekly sector

Women’s weekly title Best has unveiled a new-look magazine and website which it hopes will overcome the prevailing trend circulation trend in the women’s weekly sector.

“New look Best is a direct result of in-depth research into how the classic sector consumer is interacting with all forms of media in the modern world.

“The past five years have seen a period of unprecedented change in her entertainment expectations and media consumption, and new Best is a direct result of these changing priorities and enhanced design values.”

22 Axegrinder

Good news from the Loverson Inquiry; Middle-class revolt; Reporting is the worst profession?

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

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