Digital Editors' Network

After Tuesday’s meeting at UCLAN’s journalism department I think we can now say that the Digital Editors’ Network is now up and running. For the record the meeting was attended by: Nick Turner (CN Group); Francois Nel (UCLAN); Mike Hill ( LEP , Johnston Press); Andy Dickinson (UCLAN); Craig McGinty (freelancer); Robin Hamman (BBC); Martin Stabe (Press Gazette); Jane Singer (UCLAN); John Baron (Wakefield Express); David Rowell (Johnston Press). Apologies and expression of support were received from numerous other digital editors from papers such as the Manchester Evening News, Liverpool Echo, Yorkshire Evening Post, Wolverhampton Express & Star and Bolton Evening News. There seems to be broad agreement that there is a need or “gap in the market” for a network that helps digital editors and journalists exchange information and views. During the meeting we discussed a number of issues such as the level we are pitching DEN ie is it for strategic managers or journalists? We also talked...

Having trouble persuading your peers of the value of this digital stuff? You aren’t the only one. Trade journalist Paul Conley has come across some pretty entrenched views : Consider the editor who told me he wouldn't think about providing headlines for mobile devices because "no reasonable person needs more than a PC to stay connected." Or consider the reporter, told by his boss to include links in his copy, who insists that his publication "has to hire a specialist to do hyperlinks for me." Or consider the managing editor who told me she'd fight any attempt by her staff to launch new online products because she liked her job and her schedule "just the way it is." Sound familiar? The temptation may be to leave the hard-headed behind and go for the fresh young team. There are plenty out there. New journalist Meranda Watling is one . Thing is, the industry is being flooded with “kids” like me. Bright-eyed and ready for anything, willing to take ev...