Reach Plc has appointed Pete Gavan as senior editor of Bristol Live. Pete, previously editor of the Oxford Mail and Swindon Advertiser, joined Reach in December 2021 as senior editor of the Live network.
He took on Bristol Live as interim editor in March and has now been appointed into the role on a permanent basis. Bristol Live is the biggest local news website in the south west and has built a reputation for campaigning journalism, agenda-setting stories and superb sport and What’s On coverage.
Audience and Content Director Jacqui Merrington said: “The team at Bristol Live is one of the most exciting and dynamic in Reach, representing and reflecting an exciting and dynamic city. Pete is an experienced and accomplished editor and has already brought some fantastic ideas to the newsroom. I am delighted to have him on board and wish him every success in the role.”
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Pete said: "I’m really excited to be taking on the brilliant team in Bristol. I’ve enjoyed my time in this role on an interim basis and can’t wait to get going in earnest. "Bristol Live has a well-earned reputation for hard-hitting and agenda-setting journalism and I’m keen for that to continue and develop.
"At the same time, we'll continue to grow as the go-to place for everything that’s happening, from breaking news to the latest restaurant openings, in the city and beyond."
Earlier this year, Bristol became Reach’s first newsletter-led newsroom, launching a series of free hyperlocal and community interest newsletters , including Bristol Voices, aimed at diverse communities; Planet Bristol, covering environmental issues; and Bristol Politics.
The team is in the process of moving into a brand new city centre hub which is expected to be fully operational in the next few weeks.
