View all newsletters
Sign up for our free email newsletters

Fighting for quality news media in the digital age.

  1. News
August 21, 2008

Birmingham Mail editor defends newsroom cuts and integration

By Patrick

Birmingham Mail editor Steve Dyson has given a spirited defence of Trinity Mirror Midlands’ radical re-organisation of its Birmingham, Coventry and weekly newspapers.

Dyson explained the thinking behind the changes on Tuesday and has weathered some rather strong criticism in the form of mostly anonymous comments.

The Birmingham Post & Mail and the Sunday Mercury are to have a merged reporting team writing to one converged web and print production desk, much like at Trinity’s Media Wales centre in Cardiff, home of the South Wales Echo.

But, as a result of the changes, 65 jobs will go across Trinity Midlands and 300 staff will have to reapply for the changed roles. Incidentally, Post editor Marc Reeves says that many staff with changed jobs will be get more money.

Dyson admitted it was “a sombre day indeed for me as an editor in having to announce changes that will require fewer journalistic staff”.

The response was angry: one poster, fittingly calling him or herself “Angry”, said: “Fact: This essentially means the end of the Sunday Mercury. Shame on you Steve Dyson. You should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself…”

Dyson’s response this afternoon is worth quoting at length: “I understand yours’ and others’ anger. I expected it…I’m under no illusion that some of the changes that are taking place are unpopular. And I realise some affected will need a target, (Fire away. It’s good for me soul).

Content from our partners
MHP Group's 30 To Watch awards for young journalists open for entries
How PA Media is helping newspapers make the digital transition
Publishing on the open web is broken, how generative AI could help fix it

“What I’m focused on is the staff who want to develop their roles …those who want to the smartest media in the UK and those who want a future in UK journalism in 2009.

“I want to ensure that as as those staff as possible have a part in this future. I’m very much less concerned at those who stick their heads in the sand.”   

Topics in this article : ,

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

Select and enter your email address Weekly insight into the big strategic issues affecting the future of the news industry. Essential reading for media leaders every Thursday. Your morning brew of news about the world of news from Press Gazette and elsewhere in the media. Sent at around 10am UK time. Our weekly does of strategic insight about the future of news media aimed at US readers. A fortnightly update from the front-line of news and advertising. Aimed at marketers and those involved in the advertising industry.
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network