'Alton becomes Indy Editor', Sky News Online

Friday, April 11, 2008

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Independent Picks Old Pro As New Editor By James Silver

Roger Alton, one of the most colourful figures in newspapers, has become the new editor of The Independent - Britain's lowest-circulation national daily.

He replaces Simon Kelner, who was named managing director of Independent News & Media.

Kelner, who sparked an industry-wide revolution when he transformed The Independent into a tabloid, will remain editor-in-chief of The Independent and The Independent on Sunday, while taking control of the commercial, marketing and circulation departments of both titles.

Alton, meanwhile, left the editor's chair of The Observer at the end of 2007 after 10 years at the helm.

He is credited with rejuvenating the title, boosting its circulation, while adding a range of highly-regarded magazine supplements including Observer Food and Sport monthlies.

He was named editor of the year in the What The Papers Say awards in 2000 and, under his editorship, the Observer won Newspaper of the Year at the British Press Awards in 2007.

But Alton, who is famously fond of ripe language, has an immense task ahead of him at The Independent, with fewer resources at his disposal.

The loss-making title currently has a circulation of 252,435 - down 4.5% year-on-year.

That headline figure includes more than 41,000 bulk 'sales' or giveaways.

It is difficult to see how - without a very significant marketing spend - The Independent can reverse its sales decline, despite a vastly-improved website.

The appointment of Alton, 61, also raises interesting editorial questions.

Under Kelner, the paper was among Fleet Street's most vociferous critics of the war in Iraq.

Alton's Observer, however, supported the war, drawing flak from staff and senior figures at sister title The Guardian.

Moreover, while The Independent is arguably Britain's most left-wing major newspaper, the incoming editor has no political allegiances, preferring a 'pick and mix' approach to policy.

He once said "the notion that there is a liberal consensus on everything is utterly damaging to political debate and freedom of speech".

Of the reshuffle at the top of The Independent titles, Ivan Fallon, chief executive of INM (UK), said: "The combination of Simon Kelner and Roger Alton, perhaps the two most outstanding editors of recent years, will be formidable.

"Simon is one of the most innovative and imaginative newspapermen in the industry. And Roger has been instrumental in reviving the fortunes of The Observer."

Alton, whose tenure begins in June, will need to be at the very top of his game to pull off a similar trick at The Independent.

:: You can read more articles by James Silver at www.jamessilver.net

Posted by James Silver - On Friday, April 11, 2008

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