Herald Sun editor Simon Pristel exits
Simon Pristel, the editor of Melbourne based News Limited tabloid Herald Sun, has resigned after four years editing the paper.
Pristel, who started out his career at News Limited as a copy boy, has since overseen the digital integration of the Herald Sun’s newsroom, launch of the digital paywall, iPad app and mobile site.
In a statement from News Limited, CEO Kim Williams thanked Pristel for his “significant contribution” over 23 years with the company.
Williams said: “Simon has contributed significantly to our company over many years. He is a strong editor and journalist who really contributed to ensuring that the Herald Sun is the most widely read newspaper in Australia with a great digital offering.”
Pristel added in the release: Mr Pristel said, “I am proud to have led the Herald Sun through an extraordinary period of transformation in the media business. After 23 years in print it is time for a new challenge. The Herald Sun has grown from not only the most popular newspaper in the nation, but to a dominant digital brand, reaching more than two million Victorians each week.”
Pristel’s career included stints at South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, the Canberra Press Gallery, Boston Herald, Sydney and in East Timor.
“It is a great team and I wish them well as they embark on the next stage of the digital journey,” Pristel added.
Pristel took part in an interview with Mumbrella editor Tim Burrowes in November 2010, in which he discussed the state of newspapers with the editors of Australia’s four biggest metro newspapers.
“Pursuing fresh opportunities” could not happen to a more deserving bloke. Any other media organisations needing an editor specialising in celeb gossip, baby pictures and kitten snaps and wanting to depress circulation by 60,000 in three years should contact centrelink.
Actually, Pristel would be perfect for the Sun-Herald. They’ve already stuffed their circulation, so Simon can finish the job.
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Have not used the Sun since the paywall went up.
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