Anyone up for a Cambodian newspapering adventure?
For those not familiar, the Phnom Penh Post is one of Southeast Asia’s legendary publications and Michael Hayes its legendary founding editor. It was the first English-language newspaper in Cambodia when launched in 1992.
Australian investors have ponied up to turn the fortnightly into a daily:
Ross Dunkley, chief executive officer of Myanmar Consolidated Media, which publishes the Myanmar Times, said he and Bill Clough, an Australian miner and oil and gas entrepreneur, have taken a controlling stake in the paper.
Australian journalist Peter Olszewski will be bureau chief in Siem Reap and will assist with the launch of the daily edition in Phnom Penh. Olszewski, editor of MediaBlab news service, worked with Ross Dunkley in Yangon, as a journalism trainer. He wrote a book about Myanmar titled Land of a Thousand Eyes, published in Australia by Allen & Unwin.
Great to have investment in newspapers in developing countries, even as the industry suffers elsewhere. As I posted earlier about Raju Narisetti’s launch of Mint in India, newspapers still make sense in certain markets.
Gratuitous personal note: Among my more treasured pieces of newspaper memorabilia are issues of the Post (pictured here) featuring Nate Thayer’s story on the trial of Pol Pot and the issue with Pol Pot’s obituary. Hayes generously gave me those papers during one of my many visits to his newsroom while I was reporting in Cambodia.
Speaking as veteran of one Asian newspaper start-up, Asia Times, I highly recommend the experience. Good luck to Michael and the paper!
Job available: Managing Editor, Phnom Penh PostIn conjunction with Editor-in-Chief, oversee the operations of an English-language newspaper published five times a week. The Post is currently published fortnightly. Move to daily is expected to take place in May.
Work closely with a Cambodian and expatriate staff of about 30 to produce a 24 page (minimum) newspaper that aspires to maintain the highest standards of independent, professional and responsible journalism.
Duties will encompass management and editing: manage deadlines, assign stories, manage staff workload, edit copy as needed.
Must have previous experience working for a daily English-language newspaper in an editorial capacity. Must have previous experience working in a multi-cultural environment, preferably in Asia.
Must be willing to learn Khmer and master details of current Cambodian history, politics, economics, business and development-related issues. Must be native English speaker. ME will report to Editor-in-Chief Michael Hayes, who has been running the Post since its inception in 1992.
Salary: negotiable as commensurate with experience
Position based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Send CV, references and contact details by email to:
Michael Hayes, Editor-in-Chief: michael.pppost (a t ) online.com.kh
Michel Dauguet, CEO: michel.dauguet (a t ) alumni.insead.edu
Technorati Tags: Asia Times, Michael Hayes, Michel Daguet, Mint, Myanmar Times, Peter Olszewski, Phnom Penh Post, Raju Narisetti, Ross Dunkley
