EDP editor to retire after 16 years

PETER Franzen is to retire as editor of the Eastern Daily Press later this year after 16 years at the helm of the country's best-selling regional morning newspaper.

Throughout his tenure, Mr Franzen has strived to position the EDP as the hub of Norfolk life - always championing the area and believing that the EDP was the “social glue” that helped bind the county together. In this process he has built up a vast network of contacts that helped him shape the “informed view” of the EDP, setting it apart from other newspapers and media.

He said: “It has been an enormous privilege to be the custodian of this Norfolk institution, and I believe the quality regional journalism and trust that have been built up with the readers over the years will see continued success, whether in print or on-line.”

Mr Franzen, who was 62 this month, will have completed nearly 40 years' service with Archant, formerly Eastern Counties Newspapers.

However, he will not completely sever his links with the business, having been asked by Archant Norfolk managing director Stephan Phillips to see out the introduction of the new integrated newsroom before his retirement, and then remain in an advisory and ambassadorial role.

He began his career in journalism in the London area before moving to Norfolk in 1970 as a sub-editor on the Eastern Evening News. In the New Year Honours four years ago he was awarded the OBE for services to journalism.

He has held several senior posts within the company, including chief sub-editor of the Evening News, editor of the Great Yarmouth Mercury and production editor for the group.

In the community Mr Franzen is a trustee of the Open youth project, is an associate governor of the Open Academy at Heartsease, was a founder trustee of the Norfolk Community Foundation, a trustee of the Norwich Carbon Reduction Trust, chair of Norwich City Council's standards committee and a member of the South Norfolk Council remuneration panel for councillors' allowances.