Former editor of Gloucester daily The Citizen Ian Mean is making a return to day-to-day journalism following a company reshuffle.
Ian, pictured left, moved to the role of content director for Local World’s west country titles last year after ten years in charge of the Citizen.
The 66-year-old is now giving up that role to become editor of the Western Daily Press after Tim Dixon decided to step aside to become the title’s commercial editor.
Tim’s new responsibilities will include managing and editing Westcountry Life Magazine, Farming, Business and other new commercial platforms.
The reshuffle was announced by publisher Local World this morning.
Both Tim and Ian, pictured below. will take up their new roles on Monday 5 May.
Said Tim: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to further develop the Western Daily Press. I’ve always believed it is a title with huge potential, much of it still untapped.
“This new role will give me a great chance to prove what a powerful contribution the Western Daily Press can make to our business and to the region, whose readers and advertisers it serves.
Added Ian: “The Western Daily Press is a highly respected newspaper and I look forward to leading and encouraging its talented team of multi-skilled journalists.
“I look forward to working with Tim to develop new revenue streams for the title and driving sales of the newspaper and increasing its growing audience online. The Western Daily Press has a very loyal readership with an intense interest in the region, and we intend to harness the ideas and writing power of those readers to help to create content which will make the newspaper and its website a must read every day.”
Sarah Pullen, managing director, Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Dorset said: “I am delighted that Tim is remaining an integral part of the team.
“Westcountry Life has evolved over the years and with a renewed focus this platform needs an editor as well as the other commercial supplements and opportunities that we have.
“I am also delighted for Ian, as he will continue his regional focus on business as well as managing the Western Daily Press.
“Along with the other members of the team this additional resource and support will enable the Western Daily Press to grow both online and in print”.
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Resistance is futile…..
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We play a game in the Bristol office….can you spot where Sarah Pullen finishes and Ian Mean starts…?
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Tim Dixon is a brilliant editor and those of us privileged to have worked with him on improving and developing the WDP will miss him being in charge.
He displayed all the skills and atrributes a first rate editor must have: wisdom, courage, an eye for compelling design, passion, integrity, editorial independence and championing of the brand.
Can’t for the life of me think why Local World’s agents on earth in Bristol would not want him to continue….
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I have known Ian Mean since my days working in the accounts department of the Birmingham Evening Mail in the 1980s and have always marvelled at his entrepreneurial talent and his ability to stay ahead in his career. Well done Ian on another fabulous move for you!
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This illustrates beautifully how little Local World knows about newspapers and its staff… you couldn’t make it up. The poor old Western Daily is dying by a thousand stabs – this one is guaranteed to hasten its demise.
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Exes Chequer, you have just demonstrated how much you know about editors, journalists and newspapers. Are you drunk?
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66? In this stupid game? Good luck to you mate.
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Not drunk downnotout, no, I just have a long, long memory…. #workitout
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I have to second Gas Head’s sentiments. Tim is a brilliant editor – a newspaper man with such a passion for the job and an encouraging nature.
I can see why the team at the WDP will miss him. I wish him all the best.
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Agree with idle reach. Why would you want to be in this business at 66? Surely there is more to life.
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66 years young . . . and long live The Captain even if those cigars may no longer part and parcel of his fashion ensemble. Congratulations for showing the drive to keep going into today’s ever-changing publishing world.
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It’s high time Mr Mean hung up his striking suits and got his golf clubs out.
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These seem rather old chaps to get stuck in in these tough times. Pensions inadequate? Bored with home life? Don’t want to sample the joys of retirement? Cruises and other hols?
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Exes Chequer. I take it back, apologies. #niceone
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Talk about being smug… reading the company blurb you’d never guess that the Western Daily Press was going through the biggest crisis in its history. Just how insulated from reality can you get?
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The man is unstoppable – all power to him, he knows what is needed.With all best wishes from Ken Jackson a former colleaague from the 70s!
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I think I can hear a few sighs of relief up Cheltenham way…
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Just had a thought: 66? No way – he’s older than I am and I’m 67!!!
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What Meany doesn’t understand about news you could fit on half a Rizla paper. Good luck, Ian
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Should Tim Dixon want an opening elsewhere, there is surely one for him at the North Devon Journal: in the past few weeks they have advertised for a Deputy Editor, a Production Editor & a Deputy Production Editor!! #marieceleste
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Does the WDP still have staff? Is it based in Bristol? This is a joke.
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Entrepreneurial. That’s a good one. Mean is at least 70, but as crafty as ever.
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