NZPA Chief To New Position Of Group Editor

Media Release
2nd August 2004

Fairfax Appoints NZPA Chief To New Position Of Group Editor

Fairfax NZ announced today it had created the new position of Group Editor and appointed New Zealand Press Association Editor John Crowley to the role.

Chief Executive Officer Brian Evans said Mr Crowley’s appointment, and that of Clive Lind last week to the position of Editorial Development Manager, should be seen as confirmation the publishing company was determined to embark on group-wide editorial development.

``These appointments provide Fairfax with the expertise and talent to ensure that as a group we work together to make the most of our editorial talent and resources, focus on development of the quality of our mastheads and make gains through technology,’’ Mr Evans said.

``Fairfax firmly believes in investing in the quality of its editorial and we are delighted to be able to make these two strategically-important appointments.’’

Both positions report to the Fairfax NZ Chief Operating Officer and Editor-in-Chief, Peter O’Hara, who said the Group Editor’s role will be mainly dedicated to developing ways in which the group’s nine daily newspapers, two national Sundays and extensive portfolio of magazines plus community newspapers work together.

``We will ensure our best talent is showcased across our extensive network of publications. We are also making sure we provide for the best possible planning and execution of group opportunities, including major event coverage.’’

Mr O’Hara said the skills John Crowley had demonstrated in managing the national news agency were ideal for the role Fairfax envisaged.

``Our editors are very familiar with Mr Crowley’s achievements at NZPA and his leadership style, and we know that he will be ideal in building a group approach to editorial coverage.’’

The Group Editor will work with Fairfax editors in developing initiatives and co-ordinating co-operation between publications. He will also organise Fairfax NZ group assignments and combined coverage.

Mr Crowley will take a leading role in the group’s endeavours to improve standards of journalism, including implementation and management of a Fairfax journalism traineeship scheme. He will also from time to time be available to deputise for an Editor.

John Crowley has been editor of NZPA for the last eight years, and was previously news editor. He joined NZPA in 1990 and has actively led the agency’s development as a news generator.

Prior to 1990 he was news editor of the Christchurch Star daily, and before that chief reporter of the newspaper. He also worked as a journalist for the Daily Post in Rotorua.

Mr Lind, the current Editor of the Manawatu Standard, will focus on individual masthead development and technology change, in his new role.

Both appointments take effect on November 1 2004.

ENDS

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