The Editor of The Impartial Reporter, Denzil McDaniel is to leave the newspaper at the end of this year.

He has been editor of the paper for 27 years, and is leaving to pursue a new career in freelance writing, among other things.

Said Denzil: “I feel very privileged to have been with the Impartial since 1973 and I was very proud when asked to become editor by Joan Trimble in 1987.

“However, I feel that the time is now right for me and for the newspaper that I should pursue a number of other interests when I still feel able to do so.” He will leave the post on December 31.

“The paper is in very good hands at the moment, with a loyal and dedicated workforce. It will be a wrench to leave them, and not a decision I have taken lightly,” he said.

“But I am excited by this new phase of my career,” he added.

The company has asked Denzil to continue his link with the newspaper by acting in a consultancy capacity.

Mr. Graham Morrison, Managing Director of Romanes Media Group, owner of The Impartial Reporter, paid tribute to Denzil.

“Denzil has made an outstanding contribution during the past 40 years, developing The Impartial Reporter into a first class publication and winning numerous national awards for the paper. During his tenure, he has overseen the change of ownership of the business and integration within the wider group and his leadership skills ensured a smooth transition.

“He has been a fantastic ambassador for the business, enhancing its reputation in the local community and the wider media industry. He has also overseen the training and development of many excellent journalists – with many going on to win individual awards and work at the peak of their profession.

“I am delighted that going forward Denzil has also agreed to retain his link with the Impartial on a consultancy basis,” he said.