Thompson was previously editor of the Bolton News, Lancashire Telegraph, and Oldham Times.
In his new role, Thompson will work to identify training opportunities and develop courses to ensure journalists have the skills required for the newsroom and that the Reach Certificate of Journalism is reflective of modern day standards.
Thompson said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be taking on this new role. One of the best parts of being an editor or working on newsdesk, which I have done for large parts of the last decade, is seeing journalists at all levels progress.
We will be putting together some really exciting and creative training opportunities for 2022.
Steve Thompson
“I’m blessed to have worked with some superb journalists over the years and I still get a buzz from seeing how well they are doing in their careers today.
“We will be putting together some really exciting and creative training opportunities for 2022, leaning on some of the brightest talents at Reach as well as linking up with universities and social media companies, to ensure everyone gets that chance to develop their own journalism career.”
Reach deputy group editor-in-chief David Higgerson said: “We’re delighted to welcome Steve to the business. We established the Reach Academy for our journalists shortly before the pandemic, and now is the perfect time for Steve to be joining.
“We have always been proud of our certificate of journalism, and want to ensure every journalist at Reach is able to keep developing and learning new skills throughout their career.
“Our future is dependent on journalists making the most of the digital world to inform, inspire and indulge readers.”
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