A regional publisher is creating 50 new journalism jobs in a major recruitment drive which will also see at least four titles regaining dedicated editors.
Iconic Media, formerly National World, is launching “one of the most significant investments in local journalism” as it pivots towards a more community-focused model, flying in the face of the recent trend towards centralised newsrooms and syndicated stories.
Under the name ‘Project 50′, it is looking to recruit new editors, news editors, reporters and multimedia content producers across its portfolio of local and regional titles.
Roles being created include dedicated editors for the Sunderland Echo, Doncaster Free Press and Harrogate Advertiser, and news editors for The Scotsman, Edinburgh Evening News, Scotland on Sunday, Glasgow World and Lancashire Evening Post.
There will also be an editor-in-chief role created for the publisher’s titles in Scotland, joining the eight editors-in-chief already appointed for its English titles, along with other senior group-wide roles.
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The investment follows a major restructure carried out earlier this year, which was designed to deepen engagement with local audiences by getting reporters back in the office and appointing named editors for each title. The restructure saw journalists employed in central “verticals” returned to local newsrooms and reporters working from home encouraged to return to the office.
The changes also saw the closure of city websites London World, Bristol World and Liverpool World with 17 journalists placed at risk of redundancy, although some of those have reportedly since been redeployed within the company. The Manchester World, Glasgow World, Newcastle World, and Birmingham World sites were expected to remain in operation at the time, although the current lead story on Manchester World was published on February 15, while Glasgow and Newcastle both feature stories up to this week.
Iconic claimed its commitment to localism is central to the current recruitment drive.
Chief executive Malcolm Denmark said: “We are making a clear and deliberate investment in journalism at a time when others are pulling back. Local news matters more than ever, and it can only be done properly by people who are part of the communities they serve.
“This is about more than traditional reporting. We are building teams of multimedia journalists who can tell powerful local stories in whatever format best reaches the audience — whether that is in print, online, through video or on social platforms.
“At the same time, our group continues to grow through acquisition, and we remain ambitious for further expansion. Investing in editorial talent is fundamental to that strategy.”
Chief publishing officer Martin Little added: “This is a reset of our editorial model for a modern media landscape. We are building locally rooted teams of content producers who are comfortable working across multiple platforms and formats.
“We want people who know their communities, who can spot the stories that matter, and who have the skills to bring those stories to life in engaging and relevant ways.
“While much of the industry is shrinking, we are growing with intent. This is an opportunity for journalists and content creators who want to do meaningful work and be part of a progressive, forward-looking organisation.”
Recruitment will begin immediately, with opportunities “open to experienced journalists as well as emerging talent looking to develop careers within local media.”
