AddThis SmartLayers

Trinity Mirror merges local Scottish titles with Record

Trinity Mirror is to merge its local newspapers in Scotland with the Daily Record to create a single business unit.

The company is to combine the Daily Record, Sunday Mail and sister company Scottish and Universal Newspapers to create Media Scotland.

The newly-merged operation, which Trinity says will be Scotland’s biggest publishing business, will include S&UN’s portfolio of more than 20 local newspapers including the Paisley Daily Express, Ayrshire Post and Stirling Observer.

It also includes Business Insider magazine, an events division and 36 local and commercial websites.

The restructure will see Bruce Waddell, editor-in-chief of the Scottish Daily Record and Sunday Mail  leaving the business after eight years.

Further job losses are possible once a review of the newly-merged business is completed but the company is not confirming any details at this stage.

The new management structure for Media Scotland will see the appointment of Allan Rennie as editor-in-chief of Media Scotland, with responsibility for all titles and editorial websites. Allan was previously editorial development director for Trinity Mirror Nationals

Bill Steven, previously managing director of Scottish & Universal Newspapers, is appointed as business development director for Media Scotland.

Said Bruce: “I’ve had eight great years at the helm of the Daily Record and Sunday Mail but it’s time for change. I now look forward to a fresh challenge and exploring new opportunities.”

The company says that Media Scotland will deliver unrivalled scale and reach across the Scottish market reaching 1.5m readers each weekday and 1.1m readers on a Sunday. In addition it will reach 2.6m unique digital users a month.

Mark Hollinshead, managing director of Trinity Mirror Nationals, who will extend his responsibilities to include that of managing director of Media Scotland, said:  “The creation of Media Scotland denotes the start of a dynamic new era in Scottish media.

“With our unique blend of national and local content, the combined reach of our portfolio of print and digital brands will deliver unrivalled coverage across the Scottish market. I look forward to working with our new top team in the exciting times ahead.”

Scottish and Universal Newspapers comprises the following titles: Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser, Wishaw Press, East Kilbride News, Rutherglen Reformer, Hamilton Advertiser, West Lothian Courier, Perthshire Advertiser, Blairgowrie Advertiser, Strathearn Herald, Stirling Observer, Dumfries & Galloway Standard, The Galloway News, Paisley Daily Express, Ayrshire Post, Irvine Herald, Kilmarnock Standard and Lennox Herald.

They have a combined circulation of 192,123.

2 comments

You can follow all replies to this entry through the comments feed.
  • December 6, 2011 at 4:47 pm
    Permalink

    Classic severance-protection from Mr Waddell.

    “I look forward to a fresh challenge and exploring new opportunities.”

    If only the people on less generous pay-offs could adopt the same outlook … “I look forward to the challenge of being unemployed and joining millions of others also exploring new opportunities.”

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(0)
  • December 7, 2011 at 1:40 pm
    Permalink

    ‘Further job losses are possible’ you say.
    How much money do you want to bet?

    Report this comment

    Like this comment(0)