The Trinity Mirror-owned Scottish and Universal Newspapers is planning to axe the editor’s role on its Paisley Daily Express title as part of an editorial shake-up.
Anne Dalrymple’s role as editor of the Scottish daily has been earmarked for redundancy as part of a proposal for her paper – and its associated free titles – to come under the control of a group editor.
The changes have been brought about by S&UN shifting the Express and free title the Renfrewshire World into its ‘Ayrshire/West’division.
Trinity Mirror issued an S&UN statement saying: “As part of an ongoing review of the business, S&UN has today announced a number of proposed changes to the editorial management structure at the Paisley Daily Express.
“The Paisley Daily Express, together with its associated free publication, the Renfrewshire World will become part of the Ayrshire/West region of S&UN.
“Consequently, the group editor will now assume responsibility for these titles and, in order to support senior editorial staff and oversee the change process, will be based at the Paisley office with immediate effect.
“As a result of these changes it is proposed that the role of editor at the Paisley Daily Express will be made redundant and the company has entered into a period of consultation with the member of staff affected.”
Paisley Daily Express is one of the smallest circulating daily papers in Britain.
According to the most recent figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations, the paper had an average daily sale of 7,963 over the first half of last year.
Dalrymple has edited the paper for the last five years having working on the title for almost thirty years.
The National Union of Journalists chapel at the paper have condemned the decision to make the editor’s position redundant.
AllMediaScotland carried the chapel’s motion. It stated: “As the only daily title within S&UN, the Paisley Daily Express needs a full-time editor maintain the standards and integrity of the publication.
“The chapel urges management to reinstate the post immediately.
“The chapel deplores management’s assertion that the decision has been made for reasons of cost, and not for any valid journalistic reasons.
“The chapel further deplores management reneging on an agreement given last year that there would be better consultation ahead of any proposed redundancy.”
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