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Swift comeback to editor’s chair for ex-JP news chief

brian stormontA long-serving news chief who left Johnston Press after 25 years has made a swift return to the editor’s chair.

As reported by HTFP on Monday, Brian Stormont stepped down as group editor of 14 weekly titles in JP’s Angus County Press division saying he wanted a “fresh challenge.”

Since our story appeared, he has been appointed as the new editor of four weeklies owned by the Glasgow-based Romanes Media Group.

Brian, left, will take charge of Alloa Advertiser, Stirling News, Strathallan Times and Alloa Weekender group of titles, based in Clackmannanshire.

Said Brian: “I am absolutely thrilled to be taking over the editorship of the Alloa Advertiser which is a fantastic paper that is performing strongly.

“Having met with the management during the interview process I believe that we share an ethos about the important role that local newspapers play in the community and how vital the readership is.

“The Advertiser already performs that role effectively and I hope that my experience can help to build on the fine work that the newspaper already does.

“Newspapers have been my life and I cannot wait to join the fantastic team in Clackmannanshire and become a part of it.”

Keith McIntyre, group publishing director for Romanes added: “Having worked with Brian for many years at JP I know how passionate he is about local news. It is a real coup for Romanes Media Group to get someone of his ability and experience.

“The competition for the role was of an exceptionally high standard and it is to Brian’s enormous credit that he was the successful candidate.

“The Alloa Advertiser and its sister free newspapers are amongst our best titles and I know that Brian will continue the good work of his predecessor, Michael McCartney, and continue to deliver quality news both in-paper and online.

Michael is leaving to take up a role at the Daily Record

Brian began his career with JP at the Arbroath Herald Guide & Gazette in 1989 as a 16-year-old apprentice and remained with the paper for more than 12 years.

He returned to Arbroath as editor in 2007 and became group editor of Angus County Press in 2012.

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  • March 20, 2015 at 7:52 am
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    Pleased to read a good news story on a Friday. All the best to Brian Stormont in his new role.

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  • March 20, 2015 at 8:53 am
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    Well done, Brian. I guess that jungle-trekking adventure can wait a few more years now. JP’s loss is Romanes Media Group’s gain.

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  • March 20, 2015 at 10:11 am
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    Good luck Brian. It’s good to see your new employers have faith in local newspapers.

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  • March 20, 2015 at 10:46 am
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    That story is just begging for an ‘exciting opportunity’ quote, but there is none.

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  • March 20, 2015 at 12:42 pm
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    He was probably too good for JP. Most people are, except Ashley.

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  • March 20, 2015 at 10:04 pm
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    There is always life after JP. For those able to escape.

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  • March 21, 2015 at 2:53 pm
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    Some positive news. Good luck. The drain of JP talent in past year or so is alarming, but not to top management or bean counters. Lot of papers look worse than uni rags.

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  • March 25, 2015 at 8:54 am
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    Newsroom of the future will make JP a company of the past.

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