Rich Simcox in for Journalist editorship

Rich Simcox, who edits Activate magazine for the Public and Commercial Services union, has declared himself a candidate to succeed Tim Gopsill who is retiring as editor of the NUJ magazine The Journalist after 21 years.
Simcox, who has the backing of the NUJ Left, has worked for Newsquest local newspapers in North Kent and Bromley. He was a press officer for Bromley Council before joining the PCS.
A shortlist for candidates for the editorship of The Journalist will be drawn up by the NUJ at the end of this month. Then members will chose the editor in a ballot.
The Journalist celebrated its centenary last year but financial constraints on the union have seen it cut back from 10 to six issues a year.
Simcox,36, says he wants to develop the online presence of The Journalist with a regularly updated blog, which would be separate from the NUJ website managed by the union's communications team, and run in depth features in the magazine.
He said: "I want to make an impact as a journalist and a campaigner. That is the role that Tim has set-up in 21 years in the job. I am passionate about the NUJ and think that as journalists and communicators we must get the message out that we can fight back and not accept the ravages being imposed on our industry."
Closing date for applications for the editorship is noon on Monday 21 September 2009.