EDITORIAL director at The Scotsman owner JPIMedia, Frank O’Donnell, is leaving the company to become editor-in-chief at the Press and Journal, the DC Thomson-owned Aberdeen daily.
O’Donnell, who has been with the company for almost 20 years, will leave in May after overseeing the implementation of a programme that will see journalists on its Scottish titles focus on producing digital content.
The “Digital Acceleration” initiative will create a new Scotland-wide structure that will include The Scotsman, Edinburgh Evening News and Scotland on Sunday, along with the Falkirk Herald, Fife Free Press and Southern Reporter – a model already implemented in north-east England, North Midlands and South Yorkshire.
All JPIMedia’s other Scottish weekly papers will become part of the small titles unit, alongside the new structure.
O’Donnell’s departure is not linked to the restructure, which he will put in place before leaving for Aberdeen.
Under the programme, journalists move away from print and focus on digital work, although it is understood there will be no direct job losses.
In his 19 years with the Evening News and The Scotsman, O’Donnell edited both titles and Scotland on Sunday, as well as carrying out several other roles.
“I joined The Scotsman in March 2000 and have held 11 different positions over 19 years,” he said. “I am forever thankful for the opportunities and experiences the titles here have given me.
“I have travelled the world, covered the biggest stories and worked with many of the best journalists in Britain.
“I have made many great friends in my time here and will look back on this period with great fondness and with the certainty that our brands are in stronger shape for a sustainable digital future.”
When Johnston Press went into administration in 2018, creditors formed JPIMedia, whose regional papers are currently up for sale, with Newsquest – owner of The National – thought to be the frontrunner.
DMGT, publisher of the Daily Mail, bought national daily the i newspaper from JPIMedia last year for £50 million.
A JPIMedia spokesperson said: “It is with regret that Frank is leaving the company having been instrumental in improving the performance and stature of The Scotsman portfolio as editor and editorial director.”
“We will begin the search for a new editorial director for Scotland immediately.”
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