Several
senior journalists leave suddenly after Telegraph shakeup
The Guardian, Roy Greenslade and Josh Halliday, Wednesday 18 June 2014
 |
| At least 10 writers axed as part of an online strategy from Telegraph Media Group's editor in chief, Jason Seiken. Photograph: Frederick M Brown/Getty Images |
The Daily Telegraph has axed several prominent journalists, including former deputy
editor Benedict Brogan, as part of a renewed shift towards digital at the
title.
Brogan was
among a number of senior journalists to leave the paper suddenly on Wednesday,
including the blogs editor Damian Thompson. Thompson, a regular columnist for
the Daily Telegraph, confirmed on Twitter his "entirely amicable parting
of the ways" with the paper. At least 10 other writers are also leaving.
The
departures came as Telegraph Media Group, the paper's publisher, said it was
hiring 40 recruits as part of a "significant new investment in quality
journalism". Many of the 40 job vacancies are in the publisher's digital
division, which it has looked to strengthen since the arrival of the former PBS
and Washington Post executive Jason Seiken in September.
Seiken, the
chief content officer and editor in chief of Telegraph Media Group, said:
"I strongly believe that, in the long run, quality journalism wins. That
is why we are focused relentlessly on two things: producing truly distinctive
quality journalism; and ensuring this journalism is seen by the largest
possible audience.
"Our
investment in areas such as investigative reporting and data journalism will
enhance the former, while our new positions focused on SEO and social media
will power the latter."
The
publisher said it was forming a breaking news team to speed up the delivery of
stories to mobile and web. It is also attempting to form a
"cross-functional team of journalists, engineers and designers focused on
innovation in digital journalism", a spokeswoman for TMG said.Brogan, a
former political editor of the Daily Mail, was widely admired in Westminster
for his political blog and morning briefing email, which he launched in 2006.
The Liberal Democrat president, Tim Farron, said on Twitter: "Sorry to
hear @benedictbrogan is leaving the Telegraph. A real class act and will be
missed. His memo & blog was always a must read."
Daniel
Finkelstein, the Times columnist, told Brogan on Twitter: "Am sorry to
hear you're leaving the Telegraph. I gain a lot from reading your journalism
and look forward to your next move."
Bronwen
Maddox, the editor and chief executive of Prospect magazine, added: "Shock
that @benedictbrogan leaving the Telegraph. Their loss. Don't agree with it
all, but read it every day."
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