Papers’ postings part of local news push

TWO senior journalists in Perth have switched camps as their new employers ramp up their local news efforts.

Mark Drummond has spent the past five years with The Australian Financial Review but resigned last week to return to work at The West Australian.

Meanwhile, The West Australian’s chief of staff and former acting editor, Karen Brown, joins The Australian newspaper next month.

Mr Drummond resigned from AFR last week after accepting a “really good offer” from former work colleague and The West Australian editor Paul Armstrong.

“My role is to do roving briefs and cover stories on politics and business,” Mr Drummond said.

“A lot of newspapers have specialist reporters covering sports or business but there are some things that fall between the gaps. The Western Power reforms, for example, does it fall into business or politics?”

Mr Drummond said the new role was a deciding factor in his decision to leave AFR. 

“He [Mr Armstrong] made me a really good offer and the role was the only role I would be keen on. I certainly wasn’t keen to be deputy editor because I want to do reporting,” he said.

Mr Drummond said the position of chief reporter would be a challenge but he looked forward to gaining better coverage for industry issues.

“A lot of stories come across my desk that would get a better run in The West Australian.”

Mr Drummond expects to take up his new post in four to five weeks’ time.

AFR could not confirm if the position would be advertised.

Next month will also herald a new beginning for The West Australian chief of staff and former acting editor Karen Brown.

Ms Brown has been appointed Western Australian editor for The Australian, a new position, according to The Australian bureau chief Belinda Hickman.

“The specifics of the role are yet to be determined but she will start mid February. She will promote The Australian as well as promoting the WA pages of the paper a bit more broadly so that people know we do it every day,” Ms Hickman said.

“She will also provide networking and partnership opportunities for us.

“It’s a new position that has been created and is an indication that the paper takes the WA market very seriously.”

Ms Brown was acting editor at The West Australian after Brian Rogers resigned from the position in June last year.