An editor of a local weekly paper who has retired after 18 years in the job says journalism is still a “great industry” to get into offering “more opportunities” than ever.
Graham Smith has left his role as editor of the KM Group-owned East Kent Mercury after editing nearly 2,000 editions.
Smith said: ”I think it is a great time to come into the industry. There are so many more opportunities brought about multimedia. As is always the case, it is those who are hungriest who will get the jobs.”
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Smith, 63, who took over as editor in 1998, said it had been a privilege to serve the community of East Kent.
He said: “Doing this job has been a real pleasure and privilege. East Kent is a fabulous community to serve, full of wonderful people. I have loved it here, which is why I have been here for far longer than I have in any other job in my career.”
Smith began his career in 1973 on the Acton Gazette in West London, where he originates from, before he moved to Kent in 1977.
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Before joining the Mercury, he worked on the Folkstone Herald and Dover Express, the Kentish Express and the Kent Evening Post, as well as being editor of the Whitstable/Herne Bay Times.
According to Smith, the biggest stories he has covered during his time at the Mercury have included Deal Town winning the FA Vase in 2000 and Pfizer’s announcement that it was pulling the plug on its Sandwich base in 2011.
Smith has been replaced by the paper’s chief reporter Beth Robson.
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