A former Johnston Press group editor who left her role two years ago has seen her new magazine venture win a top regional award.
Amanda Penman was group editor at the Matlock Mercury and a number of its sister titles, until leaving the role in June 2012.
After a short break from journalism, she bounced back in February 2013 with the launch of Artsbeat, a monthly title focusing on the creative and performing arts in Derbyshire.
Earlier this month the magazine was named the best in the region at the Midlands Media Awards – hailed by Amanda as the “best moment” of her career.
The magazine began with a free distribution of 5,000 copies but Amanda has since increased this to 7,000.
Said Amanda: “The magazine has been a huge success in its first 12 months. Readers who snap it up as soon as I deliver them and businesses are realising it is the place to advertise if they want to get noticed.
“The reason for its popularity has been my determination to make sure it is full of well written editorial about people while at the same time making sure it is financially viable.
“There have been many great moments in my long career but I think winning the award for Magazine of the Year was probably the best.
The judges’ citation described Artsbeat as “an amazing, one-woman monthly publication” with “well-written articles and comprehensive local coverage.”
As well as u[pping the print run, Amanda has added more pages, a higher quality cover and more specific regular features such as Library Life and Stately Art which targets the historic houses.
Added Amanda: “I loved my time with newspapers as it was a huge part of my life, but working for yourself is considerably more enjoyable and I haven’t looked back even for a second.
“The last year has been extremely rewarding and I am delighted that my quest to ensure quality content remains king is being recognised by my readers and others in the industry.”
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Wonderful Amanda, many congratulations – Peter
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Well done, Amanda. So glad to hear things are going so well. You always knew your stuff!
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I don’t know Amanda, but it’s wonderful to see journalistic talent blossoming outside the corporate environment.
Computer technology has enabled gifted individuals to launch their own show in so many areas. There will always be a need for good local journalism in all its forms, and Amanda seems to have tapped into just one segment of it.
Her cover looks good, too.
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Thanks both of you. I could do with your help selling the ads though Hox!! That is a new skill I have had to learn.
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Cracking stuff Amanda, well deserved
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Marvellous. Very well done, Amanda.
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Well done Amanda! Well deserved.
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Congratulations. Mag looks great.
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