Donald Martin, the former editor of The Herald and Herald on Sunday in Scotland has been awarded a Fellowship of the Society of Editors.
Martin, who stepped down as editor-in-chief of Newsquest’s Scottish titles in 2022 to start his own media and management consultancy, was presented with the accolade on Wednesday 4 December 2024 following the Society’s Annual General Meeting by Society chairman Ian MacGregor (pictured). Martin, a former past President of the Society, officially retired from the Society’s board of directors this month having sat on the organisation’s executive committee since 2006.
Announcing the fellowship, Dawn Alford, Executive Director of the Society said: “Donald has been a long-standing supporter of the Society of Editors since its early years and, for nearly two decades, he has helped lead and inform our work fearlessly defending media freedom, open justice and the public’s right to know.
“While we are sad to lose Donald’s expertise from our board, this Fellowship recognises his many achievements over several years as well as his dedication and commitment to furthering press freedom both in Scotland and the UK as a whole.”
Accepting the Fellowship, Donald said: “It has been a huge privilege to have served on the SoE board over three decades and be a small part in the ongoing fight to protect press freedoms and support the role and importance of the UK media. There have been numerous challenges over the years and I have been lucky to witness the transformation of the organisation into the most powerful and influential voice for all media.”
“I’m truly humbled to receive the Fellowship Award and will treasure it along with the many friendships I have made over the years and the wise counsel I have received from my brilliant colleagues.”
The Society’s Annual General Meeting also saw Sarah Whitehead, Director of Newsgathering and Operations at Sky News appointed the Society’s new President. Whitehead, Director of Newsgathering since 2023, takes over from Kamal Ahmed, Director of Audio at The Telegraph who has held the position since 2022. Joy Yates, Regional Editor at Newsquest Cumbria will take over as Vice-President from former Daily Mirror Editor Alison Phillips.
