At the launch of TV2's new LGBT programme ‘The Outlook' last night, Owen Allison announced his new role as Express newspaper's Managing Editor. Oliver Hall, the newspaper's editor since November 2003, announced his resignation last week. Allison, 39, joined the Express office in April, as the newspaper's ‘Sales and Client Service person'. He has previously worked as a freelance fashion photographer, and attended educational courses in Taiwan, Bangkok and Los Angeles for his role as sales account manager supplying hair care and cosmetic products to New Zealand companies. He made his television debut on TVNZ's new gay show last night, which official ratings suggest was viewed by around 60,000 New Zealanders. The 10-part series looks at the staff and situations behind the scenes at Express. Allison's new role encompasses editing the paper, but he'll also manage staff at the publication, and shortly employ another advertising salesperson. He says he'll initially follow the existing Express format, but then “start updating things a wee bit”. “I feel the paper's lacking a bit of fun. It could do with a bit more humour, a few more features, a bit more fashion, a bit more lifestyle and culture.” Nicole Thomas and Paula Yoeman will step briefly into the editor role for the next edition. Allison's first issue as editor will be the one after that. “I'm looking forward to it,” he says. “You'll start seeing a few changes in a couple of issue's time.” Ref: GayNZ.com (m)
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 27th June 2007 - 10:30am