Andrew Trench has been appointed as the editor of News24, Media24 announced on Monday.<\/p>\n
“Trench, one of the most respected editors in South Africa with a reputation for brave and tenacious journalism, is currently the editor of The Witness in KwaZulu-Natal,” spokeswoman Anika Ebrahim said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“He is a former editor of the Daily Dispatch in East London and news editor of the Sunday Times.”<\/p>\n
Under his leadership, the Media24 investigations unit had covered breaking and major stories.<\/p>\n
Geoff Cohen, general manager of 24.com, said Trench’s experience in data journalism, civic journalism and cross-platform storytelling would enhance News24’s offering across the continent.<\/p>\n
It also signalled an increase of investment in digital media.<\/p>\n
\u201cAndrew has a track record of leading teams to create excellent and award-winning journalism,” said Cohen.<\/p>\n
“If [we] are to remain leaders in online news we must work hand-in-hand with our experienced editors to ensure that content on our digital platforms is of a high standard.”<\/p>\n
Netwerk24, Media24’s Afrikaans news platform for Beeld, Die Burger, Volksblad and Rapport, were “clearly getting it right” and it was time for News24 to pick up the pace.<\/p>\n
Ebrahim said Trench takes up his new position on December 1.<\/p>\n
Jannie Momberg, current News24 editor, would assist Trench during the hand-over period, before taking on a new challenge in growing News24’s Africa network.<\/p>\n