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Ex-editor ‘angered’ as successor reveals departure from regional title

Jon StokoeAn editor is set to leave a regional title in a move that has “saddened and angered” his predecessor.

Jon Stokoe has announced he is looking for work as he prepares to leave The Dalesman magazine after two years in charge.

Former Whitby Gazette editor Jon, pictured, revealed on Twitter he will end his spell in charge of the Skipton-based title and its sister publication Cumbria Magazine on 24 September.

The news has upset Adrian Braddy, who ran the publication prior to Jon taking over in 2019.

Adrian posted on Twitter: “Saddened and angered by what’s happening at my old stomping ground The Dalesman. Another fine journo shown the door.

“Frankly, I’m disgusted and gutted for Jon Stokoe – one of the good guys. He truly does not deserve this.

“Onwards and upwards, Jon. New opportunities beckon, for sure.”

Last year Lindsey Moore, editor of The Dalesman’s sister title Down Your Way, left the titles’ owner Country Publications Ltd after the company decided to incorporate her magazine into The Dalesman.

Jon was made redundant from the Gazette eight years ago and later set up his own company, Stokoe Media.

He has also previously worked full-time as a sub-editor for Reach plc’s newspapers in Lincolnshire.

Announcing his departure from The Dalesman, Jon posted on Twitter: “I have news. 24 September sees my time at The Dalesman and Cumbria Magazine end.

“I need a fresh challenge and want to learn new things while utilising my communication skills I have picked up since I started out as a trainee journalist in 1995.

“Those skills, I’m proud to say, have seen me become editor of my home town newspaper, the Whitby Gazette, as well as become only the seventh editor in the 82-year history of Yorkshire’s favourite magazine, The Dalesman.

“But the world is evolving and I need to too. So if you want an honest, hard-working team player who doesn’t know the meaning of nine to five, please get in touch.

“I’m available. I’m cheap(ish). And I can make a decent brew.”

Country Publications Ltd declined to comment when approached by HTFP.