AddThis SmartLayers

Bylines around the world after novelist death exclusive

Two British journalists working in the Bahamas saw their bylines go all over the world with the death of best-selling novelist Arthur Hailey, who had lived in Nassau for more than 40 years.

Hundreds of newspapers and television stations worldwide carried the Reuters report by John Marquis and the Associated Press story by Adam Jankiewicz – both former regional journalists now working on The Tribune, the Bahamas’ leading daily.

Hailey, (84), who was brought up in the back streets of Luton and rose to become one of the most successful writers of the post-war era, lived in the wealthy enclave of Lyford Cay, Nassau, which is also home to Sir Sean Connery.

He died in his sleep after suffering a stroke, ending one of the most sensational rags-to-riches stories in English literature.

His 11 novels – including Airport, Hotel and The Moneychangers – and eight screen deals – made him a millionaire.

John and Adam broke the story after an early morning tip-off from Hailey’s wife Sheila and were amazed at the coverage the story received.

John, who is managing editor of The Tribune, said: “I knew Arthur, having interviewed him at his beautiful home four years ago, and I know he would have loved all the attention he received. He was a wonderfully down-to-earth character who was completely unspoiled by his success.”

Adam, The Tribune’s news editor, said: “Seeing my byline in the Washington Post and other major titles is right up there among the highlights of my career.”

John, (61), trained on the Northampton Chronicle and Echo. He also worked on the Nottingham Evening Post.

During the 1970s and early 1980s he was London sports editor of Thomson Regional Newspapers, which included The Scotsman, Western Mail, The Journal at Newcastle and the Press and Journal, Aberdeen.

For ten years in the 1980s and 1990s he was editor of Packet Newspapers in Cornwall. He was appointed managing editor of the The Tribune in 1999.

Adam, (35), trained on the Reading Chronicle. He also worked for the INS News Agency in Reading before becoming the Press Association’s Thames Valley reporter for nearly four years.

He spent a year at Central Television before joining The Tribune earlier this year.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]