Exciting Times full steam ahead for Times Media

As if last week, on 15 October 2015, Sunday Times Political Editor Sthembiso Msomi assumes responsibility as deputy editor of the Sunday Times. In just over a week, as of 1 November 2015, there are two other new appointments to the Times Media team - Moshoeshoe Monare will join as Managing Editor for Sunday Times and The Times, with Aspasia Karras appointed as Publisher of Times Media's magazine supplements.

Msomi, Karras and Monare

Andy Gill, Managing Director at Times Media says they're excited about the depth and experience of talent appointed, as they're intended to keep Times Media at the forefront of innovation in media in South Africa.

I chatted to Gill about the impact of these new appointments and how Times Media's concept of "magazines expressly produced as supplements in newspapers" changes the business model...

1. Firstly, what sparked the new appointments?

Andy Gill, Managing Director at Times Media

Gill: We have identified the need for change and innovation across the group to strengthen our position in the market and believe it always helps to have fresh ideas.

2. Looking at them individually, what does each mean for the relevant publication and editor?

Gill: Monare is a talented newsman and brings a wealth of experience to the group, while Karras will help develop a new revenue line with bright ideas and a strong background in magazine treatment of content. Msomi has been with the company for 15 years and is one of the most respected journalists in his field. His appointment is well deserved and I am sure he will be a great asset to the Sunday Times in his new role.

3. What's the intended impact of Times Media print in general?

Gill: We intend to remain the market leader in our field and will always seek out fresh and innovative reader and revenue opportunities. We hope to translate those into growth for our products in what remains a difficult operating environment.

4. Tell us more about the concept of "magazines expressly produced as supplements in newspapers" and how this changes the business model.

Gill: Internationally, magazine treatment in newspapers is having a positive effect on readership and revenues. It has begun to sway people back to newspapers especially at the weekend as they unwind from a busy week of Twitter and fast news. We have already seen strong new revenues from magazines such as Wanted in Business Day, Sport in Business Day and Sunday Times as well as Home, Fashion and Food Weekly in Sunday Times along with The Edit fashion magazine. We expect to launch more where appropriate in the coming months.

5. Any other exciting future changes you can share with our readers?

Gill: We are in the process of making significant changes across the group. We are installing a new editorial system to allow us to incorporate digital into our daily workflows and are in the process of redesigning most of our papers with the help of some excellent international experts. It is going to be an exciting 12 months for our newspapers with fresh content, fresh designs and a new model for content generation that fully incorporates digital.

Exciting times ahead, for sure. For more on Times Media Group click here or visit their website.