The editor of one of the country’s largest weekly papers has left to set up a press and publicity consultancy.
Merrill Diplock has edited the Doncaster Free Press for ten years.
During that time it has put on sales of almost 10,000 a week and is now the 12th biggest selling local weekly newspaper in the country.
Merrill, who has also been editorinchief of South Yorkshire Newspapers for six years, said: “Editing the Free Press is a fantastic job. I’m lucky enough to have been surrounded by some very talented colleagues.
“The paper has enjoyed some hefty sales increases over the last seven or eight years and I’m sure that it will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Diplock, 45, began her career as a trainee with the Doncaster Gazette in 1978. She continued to work at South Yorkshire papers for 16 years, taking on half a dozen jobs, until 1994 when she was made editor.
Her consultancy will advise publishers, editors and circulation managers, primarily in the weekly market, on how to increase sales.
She also plans to write news, features and press releases for the South Yorkshire market.
Her deputy, Kath Finley, is currently acting editor of the Free Press.
By Victoria Jones
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
