Newscorp title sees change of culture

Former PCC director, Stephen Abell London – Naeem Arzu The former director of the Press Complaints Commission, Stephen Abell, has been appointed as managing editor of the Sun, in a continuing change of culture at Rupert Murdoch’s stricken Newscorp media group.
Abell, known in media circles as Stig, was groomed for the position by Sun editor David Dinsmore.  He said, “I know Stig will bring a tremendous amount of energy, talent and commitment to the title".
He added, “Press regulation has never been a hotter topic and it is of huge benefit to have someone of Stig's knowledge and experience on board as we chart a course through choppy waters".
Abell, 33, worked as PCC director for two years of his 10-year appointment with the commission.
He succeeds Richard Caseby, whose departure was confirmed by News UK in a statement by Murdoch, referring to Caseby’s, “passionate defence of our company and staff”.
Abell said in a statement, “I am proud to be joining the Sun at this incredibly exciting time. You would have to have been living in a cave over the last few weeks not to notice the Sun.”
His appoint is speculated to affect the position of Sun’s ombudsman, Philippa Kennedy, who was hired by Caseby in September 2012.
PCC officials have a history of joining newspaper companies.  Former PCC public affairs director, Will Gore, is now deputy managing editor of the Independent and Evening Standard titles and former PCC director Guy (now Lord) Black is executive director of the Telegraph Media Group.