A departing regional daily editor has warned the future of local journalism cannot be built on ‘click-bait’ in a farewell piece for the newspaper.
The Northern Echo’s Peter Barron, pictured left, is working his last day today after 17 years in charge of the Darlington-based title.
In the editorial, Peter reminded readers of the “vital role” regional newspapers have to play in society, and thanked them for their support over the course of his tenure.
He also shared some of his favourite memories of his time in the editor’s chair, and took a parting shot at ‘click-bait’ in the regional press.
Wrote Peter: “Local newspapers have a vital role to play in society and my parting wish is that they are given the time and support for quality, campaigning journalism that makes a difference to people’s lives.
“The future of local journalism cannot just be built on ‘click-bait’ – stories which attract the biggest number of hits online. There will be those who call me a dinosaur but if I see another ‘stomach-churning compilation of the best spot-squeezing videos’ on a ‘news’ website, I may well take a hammer to my computer.
“Exploding spots may get lots of hits, and that may attract digital advertising revenue, but it isn’t news.”
Peter also selected his 50 favourite front pages from his time in charge for a gallery which can be viewed on the Echo’s website.
He recalled meeting the Queen, Tony Blair and former Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds – who shouted abuse through the letterbox of his family home.
Peter added: “The police chose not to take any action ‘because you’re a journalist and it comes with the territory’.
“My wife and children weren’t journalists though, were they? Months later, the chairman was jailed for tax evasion. It all seems far too surreal now but, yes, it all really happened.
“More importantly, I’ll remember my good fortune in working with a passionate, brilliant team of journalists and for the campaigns we fought together.
He concluded: “Thank you so much for your support over the past 17 years and I look forward to being part of The Northern Echo for years to come – albeit as the paper’s former editor.”
No announcement has yet been made on Peter’s successor at the Echo.
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Looking at the NE’s frontpage this morning there is a refreshing lack of clickbait or search honeypots.
“Exploding spots may get lots of hits, and that may attract digital advertising revenue, but it isn’t news.”
I take the view that publications that have gone down that route are looking to be against Quoras and ViralNova with some historic ‘local’ bits.
All valid models, but perhaps not what employees are told they are doing…
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Seems like a top bloke and editor and I wish him a happy retirement or next professional lifestage. However, he’s wrong in one respect and that’s probably due to his age – exploding spots ARE the future of journalism, as are cats dressed up as endearing Disney characters and gerbils bearing a resemblance to famous dictators. There’s Bitcoins in that there rubbish, Peter; all we have to do is harvest it.
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Spot on
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Good luck Peter in whatever you do, your contribution to the local and regional media has been considerable.
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Perry Austin-Clarke step up!
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All the best, Pete – you have been a credit to the profession.
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I suspect Peter’s regrets at leaving the Echo are mixed with feelings of relief he’s finally escaped the pressure cooker – 17 years is a heck of a long time to spend in there and surely he’s earned a pint or three of his favourite tipple tonight…
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Good luck Peter. The industry has lost too many like you.
I agree re clickbait.
You might have a lot of hits with trivia (God knows everyone is trying) but if an advertiser looks at your website and thinks it is a bit downmarket he might not been keen.
As ever, a question balance.
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Dick Minim. You got it. Peter is a top bloke, great editor and a very fine journalist. It’s often overlooked that his first editorship was the Hartlepool Mail. He was a bit wet behind the ears but as he was a good lad and seemed willing, we soon knocked him into shape.
Whenever I eat a pork pie (long story) I think of Peter and whenever my horse falls at the first fence I wonder if it was one of The Baron’s tips.
A loss to the Echo and the industry. Good health and happiness for the future Peter. You made journalism a better place.
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Good luck for the future, Peter. You’ve been a great champion – and ambassador – for the regional press.
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Enjoy yr retirement Peter. I enjoyed ( and learnt) from the news editor course you ran in York many moons ago. You were a great newsman and I’m sure the pints will flow tonight!
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How does a 50-pic online gallery score in the clickbait stakes?
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We might not like it as people who enjoyed the best years of journalism but click baiting is the new journalism. Any kid out of college can do it, and they are cheap.
It’s depressing, fortunately most of us don’t have to embrace it to pay the rent or mortgage, but it is here.
Good luck Peter.
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Hotmetalman.
Please Sir,
what’s hot metal?
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Another good editor cast asunder.
And a fair warning about the future of our industry to all those who remain.
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