Walker takes over as Herald’s editor

Richard Walker: challenge to raise circulation

The Sunday Herald’s new editor, Richard Walker, will get down to the challenging task of boosting the Scottish broadsheet’s current circulation of 59,158.

Walker, 49, the paper’s current deputy editor, is taking over from Andrew Jaspan, who leaves to become editor-in-chief of The Age in Melbourne, Australia, in October.

Walker’s appointment is understood to have been well received by the paper’s 60 editorial staff – he has been with the paper since its launch in February, 1999.

Tim Blott, managing director of Newsquest (Herald & Times) said: “Richard presented some very exciting ideas for developing the paper, while convincing me he could continue The Sunday Herald’s award-winning reputation for high-quality Scottish journalism.”

Walker, who is on holiday until next Tuesday, told Press Gazette he would discuss his ideas for developing the paper with his staff before making them public.

He said: “Over the past five years, the paper has built up a significant and loyal circulation in a crowded marketplace and won major awards for every aspect of its journalism.

“I am committed to preserving the core values of The Sunday Herald – the independent, challenging and groundbreaking journalism which has established its reputation – and to injecting some new ideas to keep the newspaper fresh and an essential read.

“We already have a number of changes planned, which will be unveiled over the coming weeks and months.

“There are exciting times ahead.”

The new editor is believed to be particular strong on design and production techniques.

His newspaper career has included senior posts at The Glasgow Evening Times, The Scottish Daily Record, The Scotsman and Scotland on Sunday.

Jaspan said he was confident he was leaving the newspaper “in the very best of hands”.

“The Sunday Herald has gone from nothing to selling almost 60,000 copies a week, in one of the most competitive markets in the world, where there are something like 15 Sunday newspapers.

“In achieving that success, there has been no-one more crucial than Richard. He is one of the most gifted and exceptional journalists I have worked with,” commented Jaspan.