Rankin Armstrong has been appointed editor of the News Letter in Northern Ireland.
Armstrong had been acting editor of the paper, which is said to be the oldest continually published English Language newspaper in the world, since Darwin Templeton stood down as editor to move to UTV earlier this year.
He joined the Johnston Press title 14 years ago as assistant editor in July 1998 and became of deputy editor in March 2007.
He was quoted on the News Letter website saying:
I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The News Letter is a highly regarded and trusted brand, with a hard-working staff committed to high standards and delivering a quality product to a loyal readership.
In print and online we offer an excellent package of news and sport, analysis and comment.
Now celebrating its 275th year, the paper plays a major part in the fabric of life in Northern Ireland and continues to extend its reach to a growing online audience.
According to the News Letter, Armstrong’s 40-year journalism career includes 17 years as a sub-editor with the Belfast Telegraph and three years as chief sub-editor with the Irish News.
He is originally from Armagh city and began his career as a reporter with the Armagh Guardian before moving on to the Portadown News/Craigavon Times.
The paper’s managing director Jean Long said:
I am delighted that a journalist of Rankin’s calibre is heading the team and at such an exciting time in the development of the News Letter, not only in print but online and on mobile.
The paper is one of the oldest newspapers in the English-speaking world and a strong and valued brand, and I wish Rankin every success in his new role.
According to the latest ABC figures, the News Letter saw circulation fall 5.5 per cent in the first six months of the year to 22,198.
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