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Editor roles merged as news chief steps down

The editor of a weekly newspaper has announced he is leaving for a new challenge after nine years at the helm.

Melton Times news chief Michael Cooke, left, is stepping down at the end of March and his role will be taken on by Grantham Journal editor Paul Richardson alongside his current position.

Michael, 45, took charge of the Melton Times in June 2007 after previously being deputy editor of sister paper the Rutland & Stamford Mercury.

He began his career in Cardiff, as a reporter on the South Wales Echo, and has also worked for the Express & Echo in Exeter and the Peterborough Evening Telegraph.

Michael says he is sad to be leaving the newspaper after nearly a decade in the post.

“It’s been a real honour to serve the community and my time in Melton has been both a 
personal and career highlight,” he said.

“I may have decided to pursue a new challenge but it’s still very much business as usual here.”

Paul, left, took charge of the Grantham Journal and its sister titles in the Johnston Press-owned Lincolnshire Newspapers in 2012 after working for Archant for 17 years.

He said he was looking forward to his new position and paid tribute to the departing editor.

“Michael has done a wonderful job and I wish him all the luck with whatever he decides to do next,” he said.

“The editorial team here are very committed and I look forward to working with them so the Melton Times continues to lead and report on all the big and small stories which happen every single day.”

2 comments

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  • March 7, 2014 at 12:58 pm
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    A ‘good’ or ‘bad’ example of User Generated Pictures (UGC)!

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  • March 9, 2014 at 8:14 am
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    Another good editor leaves the industry.
    Michael is a nice chap and knows his stuff.

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