Stephen Parker of Trinity Mirror has been appointed chairman of the Newspaper Society’s powerful Political, Editorial & Regulatory Affairs Committee.

The committee steers the Society’s lobbying, legal and regulatory agenda, and European, employment affairs and training work.

Stephen, who is managing director of Trinity Mirror Regional Newspapers said: “The Newspaper Society’s political and regulatory work is recognised and respected in the corridors of power. It is a privilege to take on the chairmanship of the PERA Committee.

“I welcome Tessa Jowell’s announcement that a joint DTI/DCMS consultation paper on media ownership will be published in advance of next year’s long-awaited Communications Bill. The Newspaper Society will ensure that the industry’s voice is heard.”

Stephen is a main board director of Trinity Mirror plc.

He was previously managing director of the Northern Region of Trinity Mirror’s Regional Newspaper Division, and has held posts at the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo, the Newcastle Chronicle and Journal and also at Thomson Regional Newspapers.

Current lobbying issues for the PERA committee include relaxation of media ownership regulations, press freedom issues, and developing UK Publishing Media’s programme with the Department of Trade and Industry.

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