North Wales Newspapers is to reorganise its editorial coastal operation, creating a central subbing unit for three free weekly titles with combined distributions of 114,000 copies.
The editorial control and design of the North Wales Chronicle, North Wales Pioneer and Rhyl Journal will be housed at a regional centre in Colwyn Bay.
Graham Breeze, NWN’s editor-in-chief of weekly titles, said: “I have always advocated against central subbing and it would not be something I would consider for the other titles in the group.
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“It simply suits the needs of the business along the North Wales coast. Combining a team of our more experienced editorial staff can only benefit the products.
“Our coastal titles have made huge strides over the last five years in terms of editorial coverage, appearance and profitability. It’s now time to take them even further forward and offer a brighter and better service.
“Centralising the operation allows us to be far more flexible in our approach.”
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Breeze also announced promotions which he said would create “a firm succession plan” at the papers.
Rhyl Journal editor Steve Rogers moves to a new role of coastal editor, while North Wales Chronicle editor Emlyn Roberts moves up to associate coastal editor with responsibilities for all three titles.
Rogers was previously news editor and deputy editor of the company’s flagship Evening Leader at Wrexham. Roberts edited the North Wales Pioneer and was assistant news editor on the Evening Leader.
The changes see North Wales Pioneer editor Phil Williams standing down to take on a role within the coastal design team. Williams has edited the Pioneer for seven years.
There are three new deputy editors: Diane Ashton at the Journal, Helen Speddy at the Chronicle and James Bailey at the Pioneer.
By Jean Morgan
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