17/09/2008

Speculation will be rife that The Herald group of newspapers is headed towards becoming a ‘seven day, merged operation’, after the publishers revealed the successor to outgoing Herald editor, Charles McGhee, is to double up as group editor-in-chief.

In July, it was announced McGhee had resigned. And an advert just posted on the s1 jobs website - which is part of the Herald group - makes it clear that not only will McGhee’s successor be editing The Herald but also “providing editorial direction” across sister titles, the Sunday Herald and Evening Times.

The three titles have recently merged their picture desks. 

Says the advert: “You must be an experienced editor and manager and have a sound knowledge of all aspects of a modern newspaper. You will be a proven team player and should understand and embrace the challenges of a highly-competitive and rapidly-evolving newspaper industry ensuring that effective strategies are implemented to meet the requirements of our print and online readership, whilst ensuring optimum use of our resources.

“You will have strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to analyse and convey concepts and ideas in a clear and concise manner. Also to act as an ambassador for the company and establish good working relationships with key stakeholders in Scotland.

“You will possess highly developed inter-personal and people management skills and be able to demonstrate a significant track record of leading teams and managing people in a change environment.”

The group’s managing director, Tim Blott, was unavailable for comment.

Comment: Aye, right. Why would any candidate in his or her right mind apply for this Newsquest poisoned chalice? We'll end up with a company clone and there'll be trouble at 't mill very soon after that. Newsquest don't deserve to own British, far less Scottish titles. This front company exists only to provide cash for its greedy American shareholders. The Outlaw.


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