Jonathan Munro, director of journalism for the corporation and deputy chief executive of BBC News will join the MailOnline’s Amanda Williams on the press freedom organisation’s board of directors. Both were elected earlier this month and will take up their positions with immediate effect.
Announcing their appointments, Kamal Ahmed, president of the Society of Editors said: “We are delighted that both Jonathan and Amanda have agreed to join the Society’s board. Both bring exceptional expertise and invaluable experience. At a time when the Society’s membership has doubled, we are very proud that two such significant leaders have joined to support the Society’s vital work protecting media freedom, promoting diversity and ensuring high journalistic standards.”
Jonathan Munro said: “I’m delighted to be on the board of the Society. It is important that the BBC is represented on such a key industry body, and I am looking forward to working together with colleagues on the challenges which the UK media faces.”
Amanda Williams said: “I am delighted to have been accepted to join the board – and am looking forward to contributing to the vital work of the Society and working alongside my fellow members to fight for press and broadcasting freedom while maintaining high editorial standards. Hopefully my 15 years’ experience – from working in grass roots local print journalism to leading one of the world’s biggest online news publishers – will be a valuable addition to the SoE and help secure a bright future for our industry.”
Born in Sheffield and educated at Nottingham University, Jonathan Munro joined the BBC in January 2014. For most of 2022, he acted as interim director of news covering such events as the Ukraine war and the death of HM The Queen.
A trustee of BBC Children in Need, Jonathan was previously at ITN for 26 years, joining as an editorial trainee before going on to work as a correspondent in the UK, Europe and around the world.
During his time at ITN, he covered the Balkans war, both Gulf wars and the Beijing and London Olympics. He has worked extensively in the United States, Russia and Africa, and was europe correspondent for three years and political news editor for two.
Executive editor at MailOnline, Amanda Williams has risen through the ranks since joining the Mail as a freelance reporter in 2012. A former associate editor at the Mail, she now focuses on news and political content online as well as health, science and Femail channels.
Responsible for recruitment and forward planning, Amanda has also been a key part of creating an integrated newsroom with the Mail’s print titles. Before arriving at the Mail, she worked at regional titles including the Oxford Mail.
The announcement comes ahead of the Society’s annual Media Freedom Awards, which are open for entries until 2 August 2023. The awards, which remain free to enter and celebrate excellence in public interest and campaigning journalism, include 21 new and returning categories and are open to journalists and news organisations working across all platforms including national and regional print media, broadcast, digital and magazine journalism. Full guidance and how to enter can be found here.
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