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Editor who quit two regional dailies returns to newspapers

064637-1_ channon  28/10/06  (IH)Colin Channon - Observer series.A journalist who quit as editor of two regional dailies after eight months in the job last year has returned to the industry to take charge of a weekly title.

Colin Channon, left, was for many years editor of the Chichester Observer before being lured to Essex in 2014 as editor of Newsquest’s Basildon Echo and Colchester Gazette.

However he stayed only eight months before returning to the South Coast to take over as head of editorial at Car Dealer magazine, based in Gosport.

Now Colin is on the move again, having landed the role of editor of the NWN Media-owned Oswestry and Border Counties Advertizer, based in Shropshire.

The appointment follows the departure of the previous editor, Richard Jones, in September after just under two years in the hot seat.

Richard has moved to a new role in health service PR as communications and engagement officer at the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust.

In a Tweet about the move, Colin wrote: “Excited to be back doing what I do best – working in local papers. Can’t wait to get started tomorrow!”

He followed it up with a first person piece on the paper’s letters page, promising “a few tweaks” to the paper and inviting readers’ suggestions.

Wrote Colin: “I’m hoping to make a few tweaks to the paper in the coming weeks. Not too many, because we’re lucky in having a very loyal band of readers who already love the paper just as it is.

“But there are a few extra things I’d like to introduce. And that’s where you come in.

“I would really like to hear from you all about what you’d like to see each week in the Advertizer. I’m sure you have lots of ideas, so please share them with me.

“Let me know what the paper does well, what it doesn’t do well, and what it should be doing. And we’ll take the best ideas on board as we plan our future issues.”

Colin also asked readers for their suggestions on the best places to visit in the area and thanked people for giving him a warm welcome.

“I’ve been out and about a little bit this week and everyone I have met has been so pleasant. I think I’m going to like it here!” he added.

Colin started his career started at The News, Portsmouth, before he moved to The Evening Herald, Plymouth, as deputy sports editor, followed by a return to Portsmouth as sports editor.

He took over as editor of the Chichester Observer in 2006 and later became editor-in-chief of all Johnston Press weeklies in West Sussex.

12 comments

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  • December 7, 2015 at 8:36 am
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    Does Colin have any of his own ideas, or is it wholly down to the readers? Sounds like an exciting time.

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  • December 7, 2015 at 9:27 am
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    Come on, Mrl, the fad for UGC extends everywhere now, one reason I can barely stand watching the BBC local news these days. Anyway, if you have any photos of yourself at your keyboard writing that post, or you have any ideas of subjects (nothing too trivial) for me to waffle on about, drop me a line at…

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  • December 7, 2015 at 10:50 am
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    All the best in the new job, CC. I’m sure there must be some fine golf courses in that part of the world for you to enjoy!

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  • December 7, 2015 at 1:56 pm
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    Ah, a weekly newspaper with an editor, the stuff dreams are made of. If I could afford to live on 12k a year I’d be applying there in a shot.

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  • December 7, 2015 at 2:21 pm
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    Good luck Colin. One word of advice, I’ve seen many editors” tweak” successful papers, usually to their detriment!

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  • December 7, 2015 at 5:31 pm
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    Good luck Mick, you will be a great success.
    Why would you not ask what your customers/readers want?
    The industry needs more of this type of common sense approach.

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  • December 8, 2015 at 9:02 am
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    Excellent news. It’s a shame everyone can’t just celebrate the return of such a great news-man to the regional press. Best of luck Colin.

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  • December 8, 2015 at 10:14 pm
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    Give him a break! He was active as a editor of the local paper, and when he asked for constructive criticism/comment when taking over, he was willing to engage. He achieved one of the 2 things I asked for and explained that with the other, the talented local journalist I suggested he poached was unwilling to give u his own venture, aimed at a slightly different marketplace. He had already tried to get him on board! I was sorry when he left town

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  • December 8, 2015 at 10:15 pm
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    D’oh — an editor! Good job I’m not a journalist

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  • December 9, 2015 at 10:11 am
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    Good luck Colin, now is your chance to start your own chipper club.

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  • December 13, 2015 at 8:49 pm
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    Colin did wonder’s for Newsquest and the readership of our Daily Gazette during his time in Essex. He graciously opened up his column for the readership to submit their columns on any chosen subject which proved to be very popular. I took advantage of his kind offer and had four columns published, which with thanks to Colin I have had my work published in other publications. Oswestry & Border Counties Advertizer have struck gold in hiring Colin as their editor. He is a true professional and will be a great asset not only to his new publication but to that of the people in Oswestry. Wishing you happiness and every success Colin in your new employ.

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