Freelance sub-editor becomes newspaper proprietor

A FREELANCE sub-editor who works for, among others, The Scottish Sun and News of the World, has bought a local newspaper in Glasgow.

Following the collapse, in August, of Premier Publishing – which operated five local newspapers in the city – John Maclean has bought the Govan Press.

He was previously editor at Premier and currently does casual, subbing shifts.

The Govan Press is a free, monthly newspaper serving part of south-west Glasgow. It is 130 years old and Maclean is aiming to boost its circulation from 12,000 to 20,000.

As well as undertaking a re-design of the paper’s look, he is also changing its title, to The Govan and Glasgow SouthWest Press – to reflect an expansion into the remaining part of south-west Glasgow.

In its traditional circulation area, the masthead will highlight the words, ‘Govan Press’. For copies headed elsewhere, the words, ‘SouthWest Press’, will be picked out.

The paper was previously owned and edited by Matt Lynch, a former local newspaper editor in Ayrshire.

Maclean will write and sub most of the content, with the help of a small group of freelancers.

It’s believed the paper was bought for a five-figure sum. The latest edition – comprising 24 pages – ‘hit the streets’ on Monday.

Maclean has plans to set up accompanying websites.