Bates named Aberdeen Journals editor-in-chief

THE editor of The Press and Journal newspaper has been named editor-in-chief of Aberdeen Journals, the group of papers of which The P&J is the jewel in the crown.

Damian Bates will assume responsibility for all of the Aberdeen newspaper titles in the portfolio of publishers, DC Thomson: The Press and Journal, Evening Express, Citizen and ScotAds. He is a former Evening Express editor.

Says a DC Thomson media release: “Damian joined Aberdeen Journals in August, 2003, as deputy editor of the Evening Express, having previously worked as assistant editor at the Telegraph and Argus in Bradford as well as stints at the News in Portsmouth and the Middlesbrough Gazette. He became editor of the Evening Express in April 2006 and moved to become editor of The P&J in March 2011.”

DC Thomson’s CEO Publishing, Ellis Watson, is quoted, as saying: We’re pleased to appoint Damian in this new position which shows our commitment to Aberdeen Journals, not only to our staff members but also to the wider communities we represent.

“Damian will play a key role in all DC Thomson developments, representing the Aberdeen business in internal and external matters.”

Pic: Kami Johnson, The Press and Journal