How-Do Weekly Wrap - February 10 - David Helliwell

Friday 10 February 2012

Starting a new job is always an exciting time. There's the fresh opportunities, people to work with and challenges to conquer.

That's been my week and while I can honestly say I'm enjoying my early days with Cumbrian Newspapers, the drive to my new office hasn't been a particular highlight.

Especially the day the M6 became a skating rink with juggernauts and super minis alike pirouetting gracefully into crash barriers left and right.

Still, at least lengthy stints behind the wheel have given me chance to sample some new radio stations as I pass from Lancashire to Cumbria.

But what is going on with the BBC's North West regional stations? Three have now lost their bosses in a matter of weeks, with the heads of Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Merseyside all deciding to move aside.

Inevitably the suspicion is the heavy cuts they still face have been a deciding factor in some making a career change.

If losing one boss is unfortunate and two careless, what does that make three?

Over at Radio Lancashire though, there is no sign that redoubtable managing editor John Clayton has any intention of jumping ship or seeking alternative employment options.

"Am I 'eck" was his typically straightforward answer when questioned whether he may be tempted to leave Blackburn for pastures new.

Elsewhere Liverpool Echo editor Alastair Machray has dismissed suggestions his title’s integrity will be compromised by involvement in a £1m business talent competition. He’s quite right, success stories in whatever field are all part of the content mix.

And while the Echo is showing it is an important player in its own business community they know they can’t break the trust with readers by being anything other than even-handed.

With eyes still casting over at the never-ending Leveson Inquiry - how did The Sun's page 3 girls become part of the inquiry's remit by the way? - there's little else to report on the newspaper front.

After all the shock horror stories of national excesses and a succession of editors flagellating themselves in public for past misdemeanours, it has been up to the regional press to remind everyone that not all journalists and companies act with blatant disregard for the law or morals.

I doubt the commentators will get too excited by the testimony next month of our own Anne Pickles as she points out that local and regional publishers across the land get their scoops through old fashioned hard work and contacts in the community.

Not always sexy, but it doesn't carry a prison term either.

David Helliwell, formerly editor of the Blackpool Gazette, became editor of the Carlisle News & Star and The Cumberland News on February 6.