Local World has named award-winning journalist John Butterworth editor of the Black Country Bugle.
Butterworth has 40 years of experience in journalism, including 25 as an editor and 12 as editor of the Shrewsbury Chronicle.
He was made redundant as editor of the Shropshire Newspapers weekly series in 2009.
He said: “I am delighted to be appointed editor of the Black Country Bugle and having already met the team I am looking forward to working with the excellent team.”
Butterworth replaces Rob Taylor, who retired after 33 years at the paper in March.
Taylor joined the Bugle in 1972 as deputy editor and took over as editor 20 years ago. His father, Harry, founded the paper in 1972.
Senior reporter Gavin Jones, who has worked at the Bugle for 20 years, had taken over as acting editor in March.
Speaking about the appointment of Butterworth, Penny Whitelock, Staffordshire Newspapers publisher, said: “I am really pleased to find an editor who already feels passion for the subject matter of this niche and extremely successful title.
“The team have welcomed him with open arms and we all feel very excited about the ideas and enthusiasm that John will bring to the paper.”
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