North-east England agricultural journalist Mike Bridgen is no longer news editor on the monthly title The Northern Farmer as publisher Newsquest Yorkshire & North East makes changes under new group editor Andy Richardson.
Mike, a Member of the Guild, finished his stint as founding news editor on the publication at the end of October but is continuing to work on the farming section of the weekly Darlington & Stockton Times as a freelance.
Mike Bridgen is no longer news editor on the monthly title The Northern Farmer as publisher Newsquest Yorkshire & North East makes changes under new group editor Andy Richardson.
Mike, who has been a Member of the Guild for many years, finished his stint as founding news editor on the publication at the end of October but is continuing to work on the farming section of the weekly Darlington & Stockton Times as a freelance.
In the latest edition of The Northern Farmer, publisher Jenny Thompson says: “It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Mike, who has worked on this publication since its launch in 2010 and has been instrumental in its success. I would like to thank him for his contribution; he has played a key part in shaping the content of the magazine and helping make the publication what it is today.
“He is a familiar figure at all the major agricultural shows in the region, and his integrity and ability to seek out key stories in farming has meant that we have been able to highlight some of the most crucial issues for farmers in the region.”
In the same edition, Mike says: “It’s been a real pleasure being the news editor of The Northern Farmer and seeing it develop into a popular publication with a loyal readership. I would just like to thank all the contributors who have done such a wonderful job in providing us with good stories and features.”
One of those contributors, columnist Hannah Chapman, commented: “I was very sad to hear that Mike Bridgen is to step down after this month’s edition rolls off the presses.
“Mike has become one of the most respected voices in the north, with experience and knowledge of all issues affecting agriculture being second to none, and his hard work has been key to the success of The Northern Farmer.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with him for more than a decade, and I always remember, as a trainee reporter trying to cover the Great Yorkshire Show, how reassuring it was to see him quietly taking care of all the big news stories of the day while I found my professional feet. I wish him all the best for the future.”
Mike’s career as a journalist spans 44 years; he started as a trainee on the Evening Despatch in Darlington in 1972 before moving on to the Northern Echo and Darlington & Stockton Times where he has reported on news and agriculture for 30 years.
Although the Northern Echo no longer has a farming section, coverage in the Darlington & Stockton Times (pictured) has been expanded to six pages through 2016, Mike is now working freelance for two days a week at the D&S offices and can be contacted on his usual email address.
The Northern Farmer is expected to draw on its freelance contributors – many of them Members of the Guild – for news and features content, with production editor Jackie Craft handling press release stories.
Note: Regional newspapers and magazines covering agriculture and other rural topics are listed in the Farming Media Centre publications directory on this website.
