An award-winning national journalist is returning to the regional press to run the newspaper where he previously served as deputy editor.

Rodney Edwards has been unveiled as the new editor of Enniskillen weekly the Impartial Reporter, where he was second in command until 2020 when he left to join Ireland’s Sunday Independent.

Rodney’s appointment comes following the departure of Mark Conway, who had worked for the Reporter for more than two decades and was appointed editor in 2018, for a new role in communications.

Rodney, pictured, previously spent more than a decade at the Reporter and spearheaded its long-running investigation into historic child sex abuse in County Fermanagh that won multiple journalism awards.

The probe led to him being named Weekly Newspaper Reporter of the Year at the Regional Press Awards in 2020.

He said: “Twenty years ago, at the age of 16, I wrote my first article for the Impartial Reporter. Little did I know that it was just the beginning of an incredible journey.

“Getting to be part of this fine newspaper and the Fermanagh community for over a decade as a member of staff was an absolute thrill. Now, to return as editor, is the privilege of my life.

“I want to express my gratitude to Mark Conway, the outgoing editor, for his exceptional leadership during challenging times. I wish him all the best for the future.

“I am committed to upholding the values of the Impartial Reporter and will, in time, set out my plans for this new era. I am pleased that [Newsquest Scotland & Northern Ireland managing director] David Ward and [editor-in-chief] Callum Baird at Newsquest are also committed to helping me make that vision a reality.

“In these turbulent times, the significance of strong, fearless journalism and holding those in power accountable has never been greater.

“I look forward to working with colleagues in trying to make a difference every week – something the Impartial Reporter has been doing for almost 200 years in Fermanagh, south Tyrone and the border region.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

The Reporter will celebrate its 200th anniversary in 2025.

Callum said: “It was quickly clear to us that Rodney was the outstanding choice to be the new editor – with a track record of breaking big exclusive news stories and a long history with The Impartial Reporter.

“His ambition for the paper matched ours, and we’re looking forward to working with Rodney to deliver on his vision for the title in the lead up to its 200th anniversary.

“I’d also like to thank outgoing editor Mark Conway, who has done a superb job running the newsroom over the last few years, and we wish him all the best with his new opportunity.”