Rod Quinn, the newly appointed editor of the Canberra Times, addressed staff last Friday. I hear he gave a relatively low-key and modest address that went down well with staff.
Quinn, formerly editor of the Newcastle Herald, talked about his love for Newcastle, but said he wanted to be part of the Canberra community, and was looking forward to moving with his two kids, dog and rabbit (and a wife too, apparently).
He told staff he wouldn’t be in a rush to change things for change’s sake, but wanted to get to know both the staff and the city.
He plans to get his feet under the desk in late February, but in the meantime gave out his email address and encouraged staff to contact him.
One long-time staffer said the performance was “solid and sharp”.
The younger reporters recruited in more recent times were slightly more critical. Some will miss former editor Peter Fray’s more flamboyant style.
The older hands, though, want a steadying of the ship and an understanding that Canberra is not just any town, but one in which inside knowledge and contacts really count.
Everyone is simply glad to have an editor, after the chopping and changing of recent times. Whether circulation will recover is another matter entirely.
