Media Update sat down with the newly appointed editor to find out what his plans are for the newspaper's future.

How did the opportunity come about for you to take on the editorship of Beeld?

The previous editor, Adriaan Basson, became the editor-in-chief of Netwerk24 where he is already leading the Afrikaans online news offering and strategy.

What made you decide to take on the role?

Once a journalist always a journalist. And call me somewhat 'old school' if you like, but to be the editor of a flagship newspaper is still an honour and an opportunity of a lifetime. Also, the huge challenge to sustain the print media as part of the total news strategy in support of the online future. I am also confident that my experience - both on the editorial and business side of newspapers - equipped me well for the task.

What are your plans for the future of the publication?

I will be co-managing a plan to align our news strategy between the three Afrikaans dailies - Beeld, Die Burger and Volksblad - and to link that into the further development of Netwerk24. On the print side, we need to stabilise the newspaper circulation - and [from] there it is back to basics of publishing a good newspaper.

A daily newspaper must have credibility and a wide range of readers should feel at home in it. They should find the news offering stimulating and must be surprised more often. Also, there is a need amongst readers to experience more of their local community reality in the news offering.

What is your leadership style and how do you plan on leading the team at Beeld?

I agree with Richard Branson that your clients (readers) do not come first. If you look after your staff, they will look after your clients well. I like to work alongside the team and to lead from within the group rather than from a distant position up front.

I also do not gather staff around me only because they agree with me or because I like them. I enjoy it to be challenged and would rather work with somebody who might disagree with me and even dislike me somewhat, but who makes a difference with their work and creative input. Through experience, I learned this approach always worked better for me to make a real impact with the task at hand.

What is the team like that you will be taking over? Are you looking forward to working with them?

[They are] still one of the most talented teams in South African journalism. Media24 - in the Naspers tradition - always have a way to spot talent and to develop excellent journalists. But the team is reduced in numbers due to cost cuts over the years. Some also moved to the new expanded Netwerk24 team. So workflow planning will be important. There is a good balance between experience and bright youth. Yes, it is some years since I worked in an editorial team and I am so excited.

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