News leaders from three of the biggest broadcast, national and regional news platforms have joined the board of the Society of Editors.
Anushka Asthana, the Deputy Political Editor of ITV News; Toby Granville, Editorial Development Director at Newsquest and David Higgerson, Chief Digital Publisher at Reach plc have all been appointed to the Society’s board following the press freedom body’s Annual General Meeting.
Anushka Asthana is deputy political editor at ITV News and co-presenter on Peston, ITV’s flagship political programme. She was previously editor-at-large at the Guardian, launching and presenting its award-winning daily podcast, Today in Focus, and before that Guardian political editor. Anushka has also worked at the Times as a columnist and chief political correspondent, Sky News as senior political correspondent and the Observer, covering politics, health, education and policy. She also worked at the Washington Post after winning the Laurence Stern Fellowship.
Toby Granville began his journalism career in 1990 as a feature writer at the Sunday People when he got his first byline at the age of 17. He gained his first editorship at the age of 26 at The Wharf which won a Press Gazette Newspaper of the Year award under his leadership. Since joining Newsquest in 2002 Toby has edited daily titles such as the Dorset Echo and Bournemouth Daily Echo. In his current role Toby is leading the editorial strategy for Newsquest’s 200 local and regional news brands across the UK.
David Higgerson was appointed Chief Digital Publisher at Reach plc in July 2022. He was previously Deputy Editor (Audience and Customer) with responsibility for developing the digital audience. In his current role, he covers readership diversification, with a focus on youth audience and video strategy. David’s previous roles included Digital Publishing Director and Head of Multimedia for Trinity Mirror.
Announcing the appointments to the board, Dawn Alford, Executive Director of the Society said: “We are delighted that Anushka, Toby and David, with their exceptional expertise and experience, have agreed to join the Society’s board of directors. As we look to the next 12 months, I look forward to working with them and the wider board to further promote and advance the Society’s vital work campaigning for freedom of expression, high journalistic standards and the public’s right to know.”
Anushka Asthana said: “The Society of Editors has done incredible work standing up for our industry, and I’m delighted to join its board. At a time when journalism is under attack in so many parts of the world, the SoE’s work has never been more important – fighting for media freedom, maintaining editorial standards and celebrating the work of brilliant colleagues the world over. I look forward to getting going in the role.”
Toby Granville said: “I am honoured to join the esteemed board of the Society of Editors alongside such distinguished industry leaders. I look forward to being a voice for the regionals and supporting the Society in defending press freedom amidst challenges such as fake news and disinformation.”
David Higgerson said: “”It’s an honour to join the Society of Editors. It is easy to say regularly, but probably never truer than now – we need the SoE more than ever. The challenges journalism faces are immense, and the SoE plays a vital role in standing up for journalism and ensuring the warm words we regularly hear about its importance are backed up with action to protect it.”
Anushka Asthana image: Peter Searle
