Mr Newell became Director of the Newspaper Society, the regional newspaper association, in 1997 and then additionally Director of the Newspaper Publishers Association, the national newspaper association, in 2007. He oversaw the two organisations merge in 2014 to create the NMA and provide a united voice for the news media industry.
Mr Newell sits on industry boards including the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers, Advertising Standards Board of Finance, Advertising Association, News Media Europe and is a strong defender of press freedom.
A solicitor by training, Mr Newell previously was an academic at the University of Leicester and a legal advisor. He is the author of a number of books and articles on Employment Law and Law for Journalists.
Commenting on the award, Mr Newell said: “I’m delighted as it recognises the key work of the News Media Association on behalf of the news media industry.”
