DC Thomson has announced the appointment of Thomas Hawkins as the editor of one of Scotland’s most respected news brands, The Sunday Post.
Hawkins, who was previously the deputy editor, has been in the role on an interim basis since late last year. His predecessor, David Lord, now moves into a permanent new position as editorial director for DC Thomson’s growing energy portfolio.
On his appointment, Thomas Hawkins said: “The Sunday Post is a newspaper with an incredible history, and I am proud and honoured to be appointed editor. Like many people in Scotland, England and Ireland, I have strong links with The Sunday Post, as it was my grandparents’ paper of choice in 1950s Belfast.
“We are very fortunate in The Sunday Post and across the DC Thomson portfolio to have owners who value journalism and its role in holding power to account and bringing some much-needed entertainment into the lives of readers. I strongly believe in the power of journalism, and I know the need for news sources you can trust is greater than ever. That is why, as well as bringing the fun, we will continue to lead the agenda in Scotland on news, harnessing some of the best writers in the country to protect the most vulnerable in society.”
He added, “From Oor Wullie and The Broons to the Francis Gay and Doc Replies columns, few brands can boast such instantly recognisable content. Content that has reared generations of Scots and the Scottish diaspora around the world. Long may it continue.”
DC Thomson says The Sunday Post, founded in 1914, continues to be a distinctive and respected voice in Scotland’s national conversation. The paper’s recent work was recognised at the Scottish Press Awards, where its ‘Test Today, Save Lives Tomorrow’ campaign was awarded Campaign of the Year. The seven-year campaign, led by journalist Janet Boyle, called for the introduction of a test for the dangerous pregnancy condition pre-eclampsia and resulted in the Scottish Government providing funding for its use.
Under this new leadership, readers can look forward to a reimagined Sunday Post launching on Sunday, 6th July. The edition will feature a completely revamped and expanded fun section, breathing new life into the puzzles and humour the paper is famous for.
David Lord, who now takes on the role of editorial director for DC Thomson’s energy brands, including Energy Voice and E-FWD, congratulated his successor. He said: “When I started out in journalism it was always my ambition to ultimately edit a newspaper - to be given the honour of doing that with two titles - the Evening Telegraph and The Sunday Post - surpassed all my expectations.
“It’s all about the people you work with, however, and I could not have been more fortunate.
“When the opportunity for a new challenge came up with this editorial director role it was too good to turn down.
“There is so much going on in the energy sector at the moment and to be part of a new, dynamic, growing business is tremendously exciting.
“I will miss everybody at The Sunday Post but it’s good to know the product is in safe hands with Thomas.”
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