Rob Parsons, the Editor of the Northern Agenda at Reach has been made its Executive Editor for the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Reach currently employs more than 80 Local Democracy Reporters and is the biggest supplier of content for the BBC-funded LDRS.
Parsons, the former Political Editor of the Yorkshire Post, has developed and led the Northern Agenda political newsletter and podcast over the last 4 years.
“It’s been a huge thrill to be Northern Agenda Editor for the last four years and help establish the newsletter as a strong voice for the North of England,” said Parsons.
“But I’m really excited about this new role promoting the work of the dozens of Local Democracy Reporters at Reach Plc as they hold local authorities to account around the country.
“I know from my time at The Northern Agenda how vital their journalism is and I want to help make sure the LDRS scheme continues to thrive in the years to come. I can’t wait to get started.”
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He’ll replaces Yakub Qureshi, who left his position as Democracy Editor in the summer.
“Rob brings with him a passionate belief in the quality and importance of our LDRs’ journalism and almost a decade of experience in editorial leadership. I’m delighted to announce his appointment and looking forward to working with Rob on ensuring our LDRs have the right support and championing the vital work they do,” added Helen Dalby, Reach’s Audience and Content Director overseeing the LDRS contracts at the company.
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As a result of the move, the editorship of the Northern Agenda will transfer to Graeme Whitfield, Editor of the Newcastle Journal.
“I’ve been involved in Northern Agenda since it was first established and it’s been great to see Rob make it such an essential read every day. Following him will be a daunting task but I’m very much looking forward to it,” he stated.
“I’ve spent all of my working life as a journalist in the North and I know that this is a region with a firm sense of its values, the challenges it faces but also what it could become with the right support. I want The Northern Agenda to be part of the conversations that will make the North better and stronger.”
