‘Herald’ editor takes helm of national title

A Kerryman has been appointed as editor of the Irish Independent newspaper in the first of a round of changes at Independent News & Media.

Stephen Rae has been at the helm of the Evening Herald for the last six years, and his elevation to the morning daily is regarded as a key step to push for a younger audience and to assist the digital drive of the newspaper.

He replaces Gerard O’Regan, 62, who has retired after seven years as editor. He will continue as a columnist for the paper.

Mr Rae has stepped in to Mr O’Regan’s shoes before, taking over from him at the Evening Herald in 2006.

From Castlemaine, Co Kerry, the 45-year-old is seen as a popular choice in Independent House where his low-key approach is regarded as different to that of his predecessor.

While with the Evening Herald, Mr Rae introduced more columnists and concentrated on getting a young readership with a diet of crime and celebrity stories, while also attempting to attract a female audience with lifestyle features geared towards women.

Mr Rae held several positions in the Evening Herald, including deputy news editor and security correspondent.

He is a former editor of the Garda Review, a role also held at one stage by former Irish Times editor Conor Brady.

A graduate of the DIT school of journalism, he also qualified as a barrister at King’s Inns, Dublin.

It is likely Rae will have to oversee tough cost-cutting measures at the newspaper while at the same time pushing ahead with the company’s digital strategy.

In a statement last night, INM said: “Mr Rae will have full responsibility for the print and online editions of the newspaper, ensuring full integration of the print and online editorial teams.”