A new editor for Rye News

On Saturday, April 1 Nick Forman took over the mantle of editor from Chris Lawson: here he reveals a little about himself and his plans for the future of the paper.

List five interesting things about you / your life
I have had two rewarding yet very different full time careers before retiring, in the armed forces and subsequently in the property industry. I have always hankered after becoming a journalist but have never found the time until Kenneth Bird invited me to join Rye News as a reporter and I was hooked.

I have travelled extensively abroad and at home and met some fascinating people along the way. I enjoy renovating houses but this last project will probably be the last (mind you, I said that last time….!). When I finally find the time, wood-turning is next on my bucket list, I’ve got the lathe now so no more excuses!

What makes a good reporter?
Someone who thinks outside the box, seizes an opportunity and can make a story out of nothing. Personality and tenacity are prerequisites in my view.

What are the things you love about Rye the best?
Its remarkable history and architecture, the fact that it hasn’t changed significantly in centuries and the eclectic mix of highly talented and fascinating people who live here and come to visit. We don’t have the big name brands in Rye, ie. McDonalds, Costa Coffee or KFC and that’s fine by me.

What three words would describe you?
Tenacious, personable, focused.

You can ask others to answer this for you
That would be interesting!!!

If you could do any job for a day what would it be?
I would love to demolish a redundant building with a wrecking ball or bulldozer.

What things really annoy you?
Apathy, road closed signs (when they don’t tell you which road is closed and you have to guess) and unsolicited calls on my mobile phone from people trying to sell me something I don’t want.

What strengths will you bring to the role of editor?
A new style of leadership, a fresh approach, new initiatives and a sound business plan for a sustainable future for Rye News.

What do you think will be your biggest challenges?
1. Increasing and securing the required funding to keep Rye News solvent and to pay for its inevitable expansion and ongoing costs.
2. Retaining the existing and very talented team of volunteers and recruiting new reporters and administrators.
3. Making the public more aware of the existence of Rye News and to heighten our profile
4. Policing the existing comments section to prevent it becoming an unhelpful social media ‘copy cat’ portal.

What new things will you bring to the table?
Humour, clarity in decision making and accountability, enthusiasm, drive and initiative. Oh, and a bit of fun along the way.

What do think are the most important character traits to have or to pass on?
To have – commitment, honesty, reliability and a sense of fun. To pass on – all of the above plus loyalty and support.

Why has there been a change in editor?
Chris Lawson is standing down as editor due to time constraints and other business commitments but I’m pleased to say is staying on as part of the editorial team. I am looking forward to my new challenge and am proud to be part of a team who are very good at what they do, all of whom give willingly of their own time to make Rye News so successful.

Finally. I would like to thank Chris Lawson for his hard work, commitment and vision during his tenure as editor and thanks must also go to the Rye News board of directors and all the fabulous editorial team at Rye News for supporting me and for sanctioning my appointment. I chose the date of April 1 to take up the role of editor, it is definitely not an April fools’ prank, it’s for real.

Image Credits: Kt bruce .