Jonathan Grun awarded fellowship of the SoE

Grun, a former twice Past-President of the Society who stepped down from its board of directors in 2021 was presented with the award in recognition of his commitment to championing the UK news industry as well as promoting high standards in journalism through his role with the Editors’ Code.

Announcing the fellowship, Ian MacGregor, chairman of the Society of Editors said: “For many years Jonathan Grun has been a vital and vocal supporter of press freedom in the UK and beyond and he is highly regarded across all sectors of the media.

“A twice past-president of the Society, he has been a tireless advocate for the public’s right to know, the importance of diversity and inclusion in our industry and, through his ongoing work with the Editors’ Code, he continues to help shape and promote high editorial standards during a period which has seen rapid change across the media landscape. We are honoured to present him with this fellowship in recognition of his tireless advocacy over many years.”

Grun, who worked for PA Media, formerly known as the Press Association, for 36 years, formally stepped down as its editor in 2015 having taken up the role in 2000. He joined the news agency as a general reporter in 1979 and during his career served on many industry bodies. The only person to have twice served as president of the Society of Editors, Grun led the organisation between 2002 and 2003 and then during 2012 and 2013 and was described by the late founding director of the Society Bob Satchwell as a “a rock for the media in the UK” with a “quiet, self-effacing style.”

Accepting the fellowship, Grun said: “It has been a pleasure and a privilege to support the Society of Editors in its fight for media freedom and promotion of high editorial standards. The free press holds power to account and speaks for people who would otherwise have no voice. It is a vital part of our national conversation but all too often it is under threat and we must defend it on behalf of the whole of our society.”