Episode overview
In the first Business Leaders discussion James is joined by EDP Editor Richard Porritt to talk about the current state of the local economy, challenges in running one of the largest regional newspapers in the country and Richard’s personal journey as a journalist.
Episode summary
In this episode, James Shipp is joined by Richard Porritt, Editor of the Eastern Daily Press (EDP), for a wide-ranging conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing businesses across the region. The discussion explores the current state of the local economy, examining the issues affecting organisations in Norfolk and the wider East Anglia area, and considers how regional businesses are adapting to an evolving economic landscape.
The conversation also provides a fascinating insight into the modern media industry and the realities of running one of the UK's largest regional newspapers. Richard discusses the challenges of leading a news organisation in a rapidly changing digital environment, balancing traditional journalism with evolving audience expectations and technological developments. Alongside his professional insights, he shares his personal journey into journalism, reflecting on the experiences that shaped his career and the lessons learned along the way. The episode offers valuable perspectives for business leaders, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the intersection of media, leadership and the regional economy.
Key takeaways
The local economy continues to face both challenges and opportunities, requiring businesses to remain adaptable and resilient.
Regional businesses play a vital role in driving economic growth across East Anglia.
The media industry has undergone significant transformation as audiences increasingly consume news through digital channels.
Running a major regional newspaper requires balancing quality journalism with commercial and technological pressures.
Trusted local journalism remains an important source of information and accountability for communities.
Strong leadership is essential when navigating periods of industry disruption and change.
Understanding regional economic trends can help business leaders make more informed decisions.
Career success often comes from a combination of experience, adaptability and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.
Storytelling and effective communication remain powerful tools for engaging audiences and building trust.
Learning from the experiences of leaders in different sectors can provide valuable insights for business growth and development.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction and welcome
00:44 - The relaunch of Business Pink
06:13 - The local economic climate and outlook
08:12 - Advocating for the East and regional representation
12:31 - Getting started in journalism
18:35 - Breaking into Fleet Street & national newsrooms
21:02 - The press association and The Evening Standard
24:09 - The New European
26:41 - Becoming editor of the Norwich Evening News
29:37 - Informing vs influencing and editorial independence
33:07 - Regional and local titles across Norfolk
35:31 - The shift to digital subscriptions
37:41 - The role of the BBC and challenges for local media
39:48 - The future of regional journalism
40:42 - Wrapping up and final thoughts
Guest bio
Richard Porritt is the Editor of the Eastern Daily Press (EDP), one of the UK's largest regional newspapers. With a career in journalism spanning a variety of roles, Richard has extensive experience reporting on the issues that matter most to businesses, communities and policymakers across East Anglia. In his role as Editor, he oversees the newspaper's editorial strategy, leading coverage of the region's key economic, political and social developments.