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New editors sought as news chief quits three dailies for rival publisher

Steve ThompsonThe editor of three regional dailies is leaving his role to join a rival publisher – prompting his current post to be split into two.

Newsquest has announced it is seeking new editors for the Bolton News, Lancashire Telegraph and Oldham Times after confirming Steve Thompson will be quitting his post at the end of November to join Reach plc.

Steve, pictured, had been responsible for all three titles since being appointed Newsquest’s regional editor for Lancashire/Greater Manchester a year ago, while he has also overseen the transition of the Times from a weekly into a daily.

He previously edited the Blackburn-based Telegraph between 2017 and 2019 before taking on a regional senior audience and content editor role in a restructure which saw the editorships of the News and the Telegraph merged under Karl Holbrook, who has since moved to the Northern Echo.

As a result of Steve’s departure, Newsquest has now launched the search for two new editors – one to oversee the News and the other to look after the Telegraph and the Times.

Both jobs are being advertised on HTFP and can be found here.

In moving from Newsquest to Reach, Steve follows Oxford Mail and Swindon Advertiser editor Pete Gavan, who was unveiled as the new senior editor for Reach’s Live network earlier this month.

As with the News and the Telegraph, the announcement of Pete’s departure prompted Newsquest to split the roles of Mail and Advertiser editor.

Nick Fellows, regional managing director for Newsquest North West & North Wales, told HTFP: “I’d like to thank Steve for all his hard work and boundless energy during these most challenging of circumstances in the past 12 months.

“Steve has ensured our local news brands continue to be the best in serving our local communities, across all news platforms, despite the many external challenges.

“He has done a great job, including the transition of the Oldham Times to a daily print offering in 2021 – which is no mean feat.

“I’d like to wish him every success in his future career.

“We feel now is the right time to further invest in our senior news team with the appointment of two new editors across the wider Lancashire and Greater Manchester region.”

HTFP has approached Reach for further information on Steve’s role.