Gavan named as senior editor of BristolLive

REACH Plc has appointed Pete Gavan – pictured below – as senior editor of BristolLive.

Pete, previously editor of the Oxford Mail and Swindon Advertiser, joined Reach in December as senior editor of the Live network.

He took on BristolLive, the online presence of the Bristol Post, as interim editor in March and has now been appointed to the role on a permanent basis.

BristolLive, which has a team of reporters whose articles go into the Bristol Post, is the biggest local news website in the South West and has built a reputation for campaigning journalism, agenda-setting stories and superb sport and What’s On coverage.

Earlier this year, Bristol became Reach’s first newsletter-led newsroom, launching a series of free hyperlocal and community interest newsletters , including Bristol Voices, aimed at diverse communities; Planet Bristol, covering environmental issues; and Bristol Politics.

The team is in the process of moving into a new city centre hub, which is expected to be fully operational in the next few weeks.

Audience and content director, Jacqui Merrington, said: “The team at BristolLive is one of the most exciting and dynamic in Reach, representing and reflecting an exciting and dynamic city.

“Pete is an experienced and accomplished editor and has already brought some fantastic ideas to the newsroom. I am delighted to have him on board and wish him every success in the role.”

Pete said: “I’m really excited to be taking on the brilliant team in Bristol.

“I’ve enjoyed my time in this role on an interim basis and can’t wait to get going in earnest.

“BristolLive has a well-earned reputation for hard-hitting and agenda-setting journalism and I’m keen for that to continue and develop.

“At the same time, we’ll continue to grow as the go-to place for everything that’s happening, from breaking news to the latest restaurant openings, in the city and beyond.”