ST makes organisational changes in push to accelerate digital transformation
THE Straits Times (ST) made its first organisational change in February 2023 under the leadership of new editor Jaime Ho.
It has consolidated editorial operations and audience functions under two associate editors who oversee a revamped newsroom set-up that enhances digital workflows and responsiveness to audience needs.
Zakir Hussain, formerly Singapore editor, has been appointed associate editor. He oversees all reporting teams, including a newly created team – ST Now – and the Singapore and foreign news desks.
Led by former sports editor Lee Yulin, ST Now comprises supervisors and journalists drawn from across the newsroom playing the roles of first responders. As ST Now editor, Lee oversees a team that deals with news as it breaks and develops, across all areas including Singapore news, foreign news, sports, lifestyle and entertainment.
The ST Now team will also work with other desks to coordinate coverage and monitor emerging trends and discussions on social media and other platforms in the news ecosystem.
Ong Hwee Hwee, formerly digital editor, has been appointed associate editor for product and audience growth. She oversees ST’s development and audience growth across all platforms: from its website and app, to print and social media.
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In other notable appointments, Jeremy Au Yong, formerly mobile editor, has been appointed to the new role of editor, newsroom transformation. He will coordinate ST’s various technological and process transformation initiatives, and spearhead change management internally.
Ho will continue to draw on the experience of executive editors Sumiko Tan and Helen Chia. Tan will assist Ho in overseeing key projects, including a strategic review aimed at positioning its print product for the future. Chia is overseeing newsroom development issues, which includes strengthening editorial talent management and career development.
Ho took over the role of ST editor from Warren Fernandez, who left SPH Media in October 2022.
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Speaking to Claressa Monteiro in the inaugural episode of The Business Times‘ latest podcast series EditorsTalk, Ho said he believes the newsroom needs to constantly evolve: “The question is, how quickly we do it, how creative we can be and how we can raise our risk appetite in terms of initiatives, in terms of team structures, to be able to be small enough to do things bravely?
“I think that’s the whole spirit of having an audience first, digitally ready newsroom. It is to be able to take the steps when we need to and not be afraid to try. And if you fail, you try again.”
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