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December 4, 2003updated 17 May 2007 11:30am

Ferrari puts radio show before Desmond’s daily

By Press Gazette

Ferrari: quit as editor-in-waiting of long-awaited PM

Nick Ferrari resigned this week as editor-in-waiting of Richard Desmond’s proposed free London evening paper.

But he maintained that he still believed the delayed project would go ahead.

He said: “I am hoping I will still be employed as a columnist or in some other way, but that’s no longer my decision.

“I wish Richard Desmond the best of luck and I have no doubt that some time next year there will be two evening newspapers available in London. It’s a shame it won’t involve me but at least I will be the only Express group editor never to have had a law suit taken out against him.”

Ferrari is one of a handful of key appointments announced for the long-awaited new title – which is expected to be called PM.

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He decided to resign after being promoted from hosting the 10am to midday slot on London radio station LBC to the 7am to 10am breakfast show.

Ferrari takes over from Jane Moore, who is on maternity leave, and John Nicholson, who is leaving the station.

A spokesman for Express Newspapers said a free London daily was still on the cards but refused to be drawn on when the launch would be. It had previously been expected to launch this autumn.

The official company line remains: “Expect to see it when you least expect to see it.”

In May, the Office of Fair Trading launched an inquiry into whether Associated Newspapers’ use of London tube and railway stations to distribute its free Metro and paid-for Evening Standard contravened the Competition Act.

It had been thought that Express Newspapers had been awaiting the outcome of this ruling before it made its next move.

But speaking at the staff Christmas party on Friday, Express Newspapers owner Desmond was reported as saying: “I’m getting pretty bored waiting for this report. We might just go before it comes out.”

A spokesman for Express Newspapers said: “Editorial director Paul Ashford is looking at his options concerning the appointment of a new editor and we wish Nick Ferrari every success on the breakfast show.”

By Dominic Ponsford

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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