Comments on: Bath editor Holliday joins Northcliffe exodus

Comments on: Bath editor Holliday joins Northcliffe exodus http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/ The home of UK regional journalism news and jobs Fri, 17 May 2013 14:55:35 +0000 hourly 1 By: Steve Zacharanda http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19104 Steve Zacharanda Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:51:59 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19104 Sam Holliday gave me my first start in journalism and it is a sad day when someone like him leaves the industry. He was a great group editor to work under as he loved hard news and had a great feel for what readers and journalists wanted and needed. If I was to get the sack from anyone it would be him and that is why despite having to carry out orders from above the vast majority of people who have worked with or under him very rarely have a bad word to say about him. And for those giving negative comments, dont hate the player, hate the game. The people who own these companies are destroying this industry not people like Sam. Sam Holliday gave me my first start in journalism and it is a sad day when someone like him leaves the industry.
He was a great group editor to work under as he loved hard news and had a great feel for what readers and journalists wanted and needed.
If I was to get the sack from anyone it would be him and that is why despite having to carry out orders from above the vast majority of people who have worked with or under him very rarely have a bad word to say about him.
And for those giving negative comments, dont hate the player, hate the game. The people who own these companies are destroying this industry not people like Sam.

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]]> By: Gary Phelps http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19061 Gary Phelps Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:44:48 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19061 I was lucky enough to work closely with Sam for many years. He is, without doubt, one of the nicest people I have ever known, and an intuitive, instinctive journalist who nurtured and mentored so many successful young reporters and subs. I was then even more lucky. I inherited a great weekly newspaper from him, after it had benefited from years of his editorship. Whoever the next editor of the Bath Chronicle is, I can assure them that they will find the paper has been lovingly and expertly cared for under Sam's guidance. All the best for the next chapter, Sam, and thanks for everything. I was lucky enough to work closely with Sam for many years. He is, without doubt, one of the nicest people I have ever known, and an intuitive, instinctive journalist who nurtured and mentored so many successful young reporters and subs. I was then even more lucky. I inherited a great weekly newspaper from him, after it had benefited from years of his editorship. Whoever the next editor of the Bath Chronicle is, I can assure them that they will find the paper has been lovingly and expertly cared for under Sam’s guidance. All the best for the next chapter, Sam, and thanks for everything.

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]]> By: Chris Harding http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19046 Chris Harding Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:37:26 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19046 I was chief reporter at the Tamworth Herald when Sam first started work, and he has always been as refreshingly enthusiastic and committed to local newspaper and the communities they represent as he was on that first day. He became editor at the Herald at a time of huge upheaval and uncertainty, but always remained positive, optimistic and very supportive of staff during a very difficult period. He found himself in a position where he had to put into effect decisions made at a higher level, which were neither popular nor pleasant (just as he did at Bath at a later date).He left both papers in a significently better position than he found them. Like many other journalists, I lost my job through redundancy - but you cannot blame Sam for the current state of the regional newspaper industry. I was chief reporter at the Tamworth Herald when Sam first started work, and he has always been as refreshingly enthusiastic and committed to local newspaper and the communities they represent as he was on that first day. He became editor at the Herald at a time of huge upheaval and uncertainty, but always remained positive, optimistic and very supportive of staff during a very difficult period. He found himself in a position where he had to put into effect decisions made at a higher level, which were neither popular nor pleasant (just as he did at Bath at a later date).He left both papers in a significently better position than he found them. Like many other journalists, I lost my job through redundancy – but you cannot blame Sam for the current state of the regional newspaper industry.

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]]> By: Georgette McCready http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19044 Georgette McCready Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:56:01 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19044 Sam Holliday is one of the few editors I have worked with who doesn't operate a blame culture in the newsroom and, as such, he got the best of out people. He didn't only inspire young journalists, he reminded a lot of we older ones why we went into this job and why we loved it. It's very very sad that so many good men and women have left local newspapers in recent years - the industry is poorer for their going. Sam Holliday is one of the few editors I have worked with who doesn’t operate a blame culture in the newsroom and, as such, he got the best of out people. He didn’t only inspire young journalists, he reminded a lot of we older ones why we went into this job and why we loved it. It’s very very sad that so many good men and women have left local newspapers in recent years – the industry is poorer for their going.

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]]> By: Phil Shanahan http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19034 Phil Shanahan Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:04:02 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19034 Best of luck for the future Sam - you truly deserve it. Very happy memories of our partnership and friendship at CIN. Hope to see you soon. Best of luck for the future Sam – you truly deserve it. Very happy memories of our partnership and friendship at CIN. Hope to see you soon.

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]]> By: the red postman http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19028 the red postman Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:25:27 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19028 It's very rare for Paul Linford to come on here and comment on the reaction to a story :( Declaring a personal interest as someone who has known Sam for 25 years and worked with him at the start of my career, I think you would struggle to find any of his colleagues who has anything but the highest regard for this inspiring character who has motivated dozens if not hundreds of young journalists. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without him. It's a sad comment on the state of the regional newspaper business when people like Sam have had enough. It’s very rare for Paul Linford to come on here and comment on the reaction to a story

Declaring a personal interest as someone who has known Sam for 25 years and worked with him at the start of my career, I think you would struggle to find any of his colleagues who has anything but the highest regard for this inspiring character who has motivated dozens if not hundreds of young journalists. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.
It’s a sad comment on the state of the regional newspaper business when people like Sam have had enough.

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]]> By: Last one out - switch off the light http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19021 Last one out - switch off the light Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:03:11 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19021 Look - lets get real about this! Sam did the best that he could with a decision made by "senior" management in Derry Street! I was around at the time and it was seen as a last chanced to keep the title as a quality paid for. Sure no body wants to see these things happen but they do and it was all about the SURVIVAL of a fantastic product! So lets all just let the guy "ride off into the sunset" and onto what ever he wants to do. Well done that man for staying the course during a difficult time! Look – lets get real about this!
Sam did the best that he could with a decision made by “senior” management in Derry Street!
I was around at the time and it was seen as a last chanced to keep the title as a quality paid for. Sure no body wants to see these things happen but they do and it was all about the SURVIVAL of a fantastic product! So lets all just let the guy “ride off into the sunset” and onto what ever he wants to do.
Well done that man for staying the course during a difficult time!

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]]> By: GladImOutOfIt http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19017 GladImOutOfIt Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:56:13 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19017 See you on the Dark Side, Sam? See you on the Dark Side, Sam?

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]]> By: Duffo http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19014 Duffo Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:20:56 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19014 Sam, are you heading to a daily or bigger paper? Good luck if you are. Pick the group very carefully, you are too good for which ever one you choose. Sam, are you heading to a daily or bigger paper? Good luck if you are. Pick the group very carefully, you are too good for which ever one you choose.

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]]> By: Sean Atkins http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19012 Sean Atkins Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:57:37 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19012 Nothing wrong with us journos being cynical and not taking these things at face value. But I know this is Sam's decision - and he is in the rare position of still enjoying the respect of both the workers and the big bosses. And having been a colleague of Sam's more than 20 years ago in Tamworth, I can confidently say that just about everyone he has worked with continues to have the highest regard for him. Best wishes for the next chapter Sam. Nothing wrong with us journos being cynical and not taking these things at face value.
But I know this is Sam’s decision – and he is in the rare position of still enjoying the respect of both the workers and the big bosses.
And having been a colleague of Sam’s more than 20 years ago in Tamworth, I can confidently say that just about everyone he has worked with continues to have the highest regard for him.
Best wishes for the next chapter Sam.

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]]> By: Heather Threader, PA to Editor, Bath Chronicle http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19010 Heather Threader, PA to Editor, Bath Chronicle Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:21:45 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19010 It has been a pleasure to work with Sam for 6 1/2 years - yes it's true - he has been here this long! I know leaving has been a tough decision for you to make - and it is your decision - but you have been a breath of fresh air for the newspaper and its staff. You ensured the papers survival by overseeing its smooth transition from a daily to a weekly - and you genuinely care about your papers, its communities and your staff. I doubt I shall have the pleasure of working for such a true gent again but I shall miss you heaps Sam and I wish you nothing but happiness in your future, hopefully exciting, adventures. It has been a pleasure to work with Sam for 6 1/2 years – yes it’s true – he has been here this long! I know leaving has been a tough decision for you to make – and it is your decision – but you have been a breath of fresh air for the newspaper and its staff. You ensured the papers survival by overseeing its smooth transition from a daily to a weekly – and you genuinely care about your papers, its communities and your staff.

I doubt I shall have the pleasure of working for such a true gent again but I shall miss you heaps Sam and I wish you nothing but happiness in your future, hopefully exciting, adventures.

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]]> By: Paul Linford, HTFP http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19009 Paul Linford, HTFP Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:14:52 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19009 I do try to avoid commenting on my own stories but I have to say I too am surprised by the amount of negativity on this one. Sam leaves the Chronicle a significantlly more successful product than it was before he took over and sadly there are not many editors these days who can say that. I would wholeheartedly endorse John Meehan's comment as reported above. I do try to avoid commenting on my own stories but I have to say I too am surprised by the amount of negativity on this one. Sam leaves the Chronicle a significantlly more successful product than it was before he took over and sadly there are not many editors these days who can say that. I would wholeheartedly endorse John Meehan’s comment as reported above.

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]]> By: Eddie Taw http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19007 Eddie Taw Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:05:26 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19007 Jealousy is a curse folks. Why not channel your energy into doing something positive, like working your way up the ladder. It's very easy to be bitter and twisted and attack people who have made a success out of their careers. Truth is, those who do that are the kind of people who did not work hard enough to make a success out of theirs... Jealousy is a curse folks. Why not channel your energy into doing something positive, like working your way up the ladder. It’s very easy to be bitter and twisted and attack people who have made a success out of their careers. Truth is, those who do that are the kind of people who did not work hard enough to make a success out of theirs…

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]]> By: furryoldgreybadger http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19003 furryoldgreybadger Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:43:24 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19003 Well said Paul. Don't you get fed up with the twitterings of old, failed and bitter journo's. I live near Bath and it's a cracking weekly newspaper. Cheer up for goodness sake! Well said Paul. Don’t you get fed up with the twitterings of old, failed and bitter journo’s. I live near Bath and it’s a cracking weekly newspaper. Cheer up for goodness sake!

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]]> By: Siobhan Prideaux http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19002 Siobhan Prideaux Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:43:08 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19002 I can't believe people are being so negative about a fantastic editor who is so passionate about his paper. I would like to say that he has been a brilliant boss, incredibly supportive and that we are all proud to have worked with him. Although we are all sad to see him go, we wish him well for the future. Sam, enjoy your change of direction whatever you choose to do! I can’t believe people are being so negative about a fantastic editor who is so passionate about his paper. I would like to say that he has been a brilliant boss, incredibly supportive and that we are all proud to have worked with him.

Although we are all sad to see him go, we wish him well for the future. Sam, enjoy your change of direction whatever you choose to do!

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]]> By: popee http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19001 popee Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:41:42 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19001 'I have reached a time where it is right for me to try something different'' Oh, just like me - from chief photographer to postman in one easy move ‘I have reached a time where it is right for me to try something different”

Oh, just like me – from chief photographer to postman in one easy move

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]]> By: Dawna Stickler http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-19000 Dawna Stickler Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:40:38 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-19000 Sam has been an absolute trooper through all the upheaval. Best wishes to you. Dawna Sam has been an absolute trooper through all the upheaval.
Best wishes to you. Dawna

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]]> By: will http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-18997 will Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:31:37 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-18997 Will you be going for the top job Paul? Sad to see the loss of a respected editor. It's a really good paper and I'm sure the (small) team will continue the good work. Will you be going for the top job Paul?
Sad to see the loss of a respected editor.
It’s a really good paper and I’m sure the (small) team will continue the good work.

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]]> By: Paul Wiltshire http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-18995 Paul Wiltshire Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:15:50 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-18995 Cynic: Think you'll find Sam knows how long he's worked here. Maths isn't his strongest subject but I can vouch for the fact that he has been here six and a half years. Poshminx: Our "pamphlet" weighs in at 248 pages this week. Perhaps I could be the first person to sound a positive note by saying it has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with one of the nicest people I will ever meet. Good luck, Sam, from all of us at the Chronicle and its sister papers. Cynic: Think you’ll find Sam knows how long he’s worked here. Maths isn’t his strongest subject but I can vouch for the fact that he has been here six and a half years.
Poshminx: Our “pamphlet” weighs in at 248 pages this week.
Perhaps I could be the first person to sound a positive note by saying it has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with one of the nicest people I will ever meet. Good luck, Sam, from all of us at the Chronicle and its sister papers.

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]]> By: Arthur http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bath-editor-holliday-joins-northcliffe-exodus/#comment-18994 Arthur Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:01:35 +0000 http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/?p=1627666#comment-18994 There are these wonderful documents called Compromise Agreements that mean departing staff can't say what they really think There are these wonderful documents called Compromise Agreements that mean departing staff can’t say what they really think

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