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Editor of award-winning daily bows out after 31 years in trade

The editor of an award-winning daily newspaper has stood down after 31 years in journalism to be replaced by her deputy.

Emma Turton worked her last day at the Burton Mail, where she has spent the last 15 years, on Friday.

Emma, who was the Mail’s digital editor for four years and deputy editor for five years before taking on the editorship three years ago, said she decided in the summer to step down.

She remained in charge “to help bed in a number of structural changes”, but her erstwhile deputy Julie Crouch has now stepped up to the editor’s chair.

Former Burton Mail editor Emma Turton, left, and new editor Julie Crouch

Former Burton Mail editor Emma Turton, left, and new editor Julie Crouch

Emma said she would leave “on a real high” after winning Newspaper of the Year title at the Midlands Media Awards last month – describing it as her “absolute highlight”.

She added: “I have had the most amazing time as editor here, and in newspapers in general.

“I have met, worked with and learned from some talented and amazing people, been part of some very successful appeals, especially the Feed Our Families food bank campaign which has now been running for four years, and covered some incredible and inspirational stories.

“But, after 31 years in the industry, I’ve decided to leave, take a few months out to spend a bit more time with friends and family and then look for a completely new challenge.”

Julie began her career 30 years ago at the Ilkeston Advertiser, later moving to the Derby Telegraph and then editing several weekly titles in Derbyshire for six years.

She moved to the Burton Mail as deputy editor just over three years ago, her second stint at the paper, having previously covered business, worked on the newsdesk and as a sub-editor over a 13-year period.

Julie said: “I am delighted to have the chance to take the reins at the Burton Mail. As deputy I have played a pivotal role in the small but dedicated and hard-working team.

“I plan to continue to build on the solid foundations which have already been laid and keep doing what we do best here – punching above our weight.”

8 comments

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  • December 18, 2017 at 9:04 am
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    “Stepped down”. Is that really Trinity speak for “was made redundant”?

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  • December 18, 2017 at 9:24 am
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    All the best with your next venture, Emma. You made me feel so welcome at the Burton Mail and it was a pleasure working with you. I’ll always be proud to have been part of the superb Mail team under your editorship.

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  • December 18, 2017 at 10:15 am
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    Decided to leave?
    Why would you ‘decide to leave’ after 31 years unless you’ve had enough of the job or the company or had the decision made for you?especially with no other job to go to and when jobs within the industry for ex editors are few and far between.
    I also asmire the self praise of the incoming editor who says “ I have played a pivotal role ….”

    Pride before a fall as they say, particularly when you feel the thing you do best is “ punching above our weight”

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  • December 18, 2017 at 6:53 pm
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    The incoming “Brand Editor” (whatever that is) won’t have that long to “punch above our weight” before the Mail simply gets absorbed into the Derby Telegraph before she “decides to leave” / aka gets made redundant.

    This departure seems similar to the previous editor, who after being at the Leicester Mercury for a few years, also left to “explore new ideas”, seemingly the Trinity euphemism for being made redundant.

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  • December 19, 2017 at 6:49 am
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    @jadedjourno @prospectus One thing you can always rely on is mean comments on HTFP! I could have left because of a life-changing family circumstance, a terminal diagnosis, a lottery win or simply because I fancy a change. My point being, why comment if it’s only to be unpleasant and when you have no clue? To the well-wishers who actually know me, thanks! ?

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  • December 20, 2017 at 1:37 pm
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    It’s interesting that there’s no comment from the publisher on this departure in the piece?

    I also find it not only embarrassing that the incoming editor gives herself praise but also disrespectful to the outgoing editor, whatever the reasons for her departure may be

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