A group editor at Johnston Press is facing potential redundancy after 14 years in the hot seat.
The publisher has confirmed it in consultation with Barry Peters, editor of the Bury Free Press and group editor of its Anglia Newspapers division, over his future.
Barry, pictured left, joined JP as editor of the Free Press in May 2000 and was made group editor in 2005, overseeing a series of sister titles.
These include the Diss Express, Suffolk Free Press, Haverhill Echo, Newmarket Journal and Mildenhall Journal.
It is understood that staff at the papers were told the plan earlier this week.
A company spokesman said: “We are currently in consultation with the Group Editor in Anglia Newspapers. No decisions have been made at this time, so it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
One member of staff, who did not want to be named, told HTFP: “We all feel this is a pretty sick way for a company to repay loyalty and dedication, but is about what we have come to expect.”
The staff member added that they had not been told at this stage how the papers would be managed in future.
Before joining JP, Barry worked on the sports desk of the Daily Mirror and before that in a similar role at the Sunday People.
He also spent 11 years with the Cambridge News before leaving in 1999.
Last year Barry became the face of a poster campaign encouraging local people to get fit after losing four stone and dropping six trouser sizes.
His weight loss drive also saw him raise £500 for the paper’s Beat It appeal, which raised more than £55,000 to buy prostate cancer probe equipment at West Suffolk Hospital.
Barry, centre, is pictured with the new poster, along with trainer Helen Bye and Warren Smyth.
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A shame that another Buryite could be going. I hope that Barry finds success in a new career – he deserves it.
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Absolutely crazy. It’s a strong paper, and Barry is a talented editor.
This move will destroy it.
I’d put money on there soon being just one JP group editor covering all of their titles in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Lincolnshire.
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Well, reporters have been cut to bone. Perhaps time to shed a few management jobs? Shame to lose a good one, but are they all?
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It appears JP have caught the Local World malaise of equating experienced editors as a cost they could do without. They will learn…look at some of the comics LW are responsible for now. Editors in court for section 39 breaches, sales plummeting and a grammar and spelling free for all online. Is that a plug hole swirl I can hear?
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Barry is one of the best editors JP has – JP doesn’t deserve people of his caliber. Hope you find something soon Barry, if you haven’t already.
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Pleased to hear this was a good and I presume actively involved group editor. Fear some are not and spend too long talking a good game. Pity JP lost a good one.
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Capt Nemo, I agree with you about Bazza, and JP needing good people (they might need them, but they don’t want them – too expensive) but your views would have more weight if you could spell.
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They could save a lot more by getting rid of the useless directors who come up with stupid ideas like getting rid of photographers, closing office receptions and making useful and respected people like Barry redundant. They never consult staff over the impact of their idiot ideas either.
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