Alan Rusbridger appointed chair of The Scott Trust
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Version 0 of 1. The Scott Trust, which safeguards the editorial future and independence of the Guardian, has appointed Alan Rusbridger, editor-in-chief of Guardian News & Media, to succeed Dame Liz Forgan as its chair. Rusbridger will step down as editor-in-chief in Summer 2015, following the appointment of his successor. He will become chair of The Scott Trust in 2016, when Liz Forgan reaches the end of her term. Liz Forgan said: “Alan has been the outstanding editor of his generation. Fully embracing the opportunities of the digital age, he has built on the best traditions of his distinguished predecessors, transforming the Guardian from a print-only national newspaper into the world’s leading quality newspaper website. “We are delighted that The Scott Trust and the wider Group will continue to benefit from his experience, overseeing the independent body that guarantees the editorial integrity and commercial future of the Guardian.” Under Rusbridger’s editorship, the Guardian has expanded from a UK-only newspaper to an international, multi-platform media organisation and one of the leading quality newspaper websites in the world. Earlier this year, the Guardian was awarded the highest accolade in US journalism, winning the Pulitzer Prize for public service for its ground-breaking articles on the National Security Agency’s surveillance activities based on the leaks of Edward Snowden. It was also named Newspaper of the Year at the UK Press Awards for its reporting on government surveillance. Its website, theguardian.com, was also awarded the digital award. In addition, the Guardian’s journalism has, in the past 12 months, been recognized with an Emmy, “The Special Award” at the European Press Prize, a Polk award, the Right Livelihood Award in Sweden, and scoop of the year at the 59th Walkley awards for excellence in journalism Alan Rusbridger said: “In global journalism, there are a handful of roles that have the capability to redefine our industry. I am privileged to have held one of those roles for 20 years, a period in which successful newspapers have become global content providers, reaching audiences in dramatically new and valuable ways. “I am honoured to succeed the quite brilliant Liz Forgan as chair of The Scott Trust, preserving the independent editorial values and the long-term financial stability upon which our future depends. We have strong future leaders in place with unparalleled news and digital experience, and I know that our journalism will be in the best possible hands.” The process by which The Scott Trust will appoint the new editor-in-chief will be announced in due course. Neil Berkett, Chairman of Guardian Media Group, said: “Alan has set the standard for journalistic leadership in the digital age. His appointment to lead The Scott Trust coincides with rapidly rising readership, continued innovation and secure finances at the Guardian. His successor will inherit a global media organisation in very strong health and with clear prospects for further growth.” -ends- Media enquiries Guardian News & Media Press Officemedia.enquiries@theguardian.com / +44 (0)20 3353 3696 About The Scott Trust LtdThe ultimate owner of the Guardian is The Scott Trust, which was originally created as a trust in 1936 to safeguard the title’s journalistic freedom. In 2008 it was replaced by a limited company with the same core purpose of the original trust: to secure the financial and editorial independence of the Guardian in perpetuity, while its subsidiary aims are to champion its principles and to promote freedom of the press in the UK and elsewhere. Other than to cover expense, The Scott Trust takes no dividend from the Group’s businesses, whose profits are instead reinvested to sustain journalism that is free from commercial or political interference. About GMGGuardian Media Group (GMG) is one of the UK’s leading media organisations. Its core business is Guardian News & Media (GNM), publisher of theguardian.com and the Guardian and Observer newspapers. GMG also manages investments such as Top Right Group whose purpose is to provide financial support for the development of GNM’s journalism. GMG delivers the financial security that allows The Scott Trust to achieve its central objective: the editorial independence of the Guardian in perpetuity. The business conduct of the Group is guided by The Scott Trust values. About Alan RusbridgerAlan Rusbridger has been editor of the Guardian since 1995. Having joined the Guardian in 1979, he is currently Editor-in-Chief of Guardian News & Media, a member of the GNM and GMG Boards and a member of the Scott Trust, which owns the Guardian and the Observer. During his editorship, the paper has fought a number of high-profile battles over libel and press freedom, including cases involving Neil Hamilton, Jonathan Aitken, the Police Federation, Trafigura, freedom of information and Wikileaks. The Guardian broke world exclusive stories by publishing NSA documents leaked by Edward Snowden and was recently awarded the Pulitzer Prize. The Guardian is now the world’s most popular quality English-language newspaper website. Alan has been named editor of the year three times; he has been awarded the Goldsmith Career Award for Excellence in Journalism by Harvard’s Joan Shorenstein Centre and received the Burton Benjamin Memorial Award for lifetime achievement in the cause of press freedom from the Committee to Protect Journalists. He recently received the Right Livelihood Honorary Award 2014. About Liz ForganDame Liz Forgan is the Chair of the National Youth Orchestra, the Bristol Old Vic and, since 2003, The Scott Trust. She is Deputy Chair of the Trustees of the British Museum. She was formerly Chair of Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the Churches Conservation Trust. She is an Honorary Fellow of St Hugh’s College, Oxford, Girton College, Cambridge, and the British Academy. She is also Patron of Pier Arts Centre, Stromness, St Giles Trust, and the National Churches Trust. She was formerly Managing Director of BBC Radio and Director of Programmes at Channel 4. |