Morse to replace Mcllheney as editor-in-chief of Daily Sport

by Jacquie Bowser, Brand Republic 22-Jul-08, 11:10

LONDON - Zoo founder Barry McIlheney is stepping down as editor-in-chief of the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers to be replaced by Murray Morse, former editor of the Cambridge Evening News, who has been asked to revamp the recently relaunched titles.

McIlheney will remain at Sport Media Group but in the new position of group editorial director.

He will be responsible for integrating the editorial resources of the entire group, including the two Sport titles, Front magazine, all digital content and any new magazines the company acquires or launches.

McIlheney first joined the group in January this year and in April oversaw a £1m relaunch of the Daily Sport into a "newzine" for young men, featuring magazine style features with less traditional news content.

However, sales have continued to decline after the relaunch, which SMG called "disapponting". Circulation of the Daily Sport now sits at 82,920, according to the ABC results for June, which is a drop of 12% since April.

Morse, who has extensive experience of working in regional and national newspapers, steps in as editor-in-chief next week.

He will be responsible for returning the Daily Sport to a more news-led agenda and most likely cut back on magazine spreads across the paper.