Peter Sands

What does it mean to be a chair judge?

It is a real privilege to be involved with these awards that celebrate the best of regional journalism. What the regional Press does has always been crucial, so important for local democracy, telling the stories of the underdog and for fairness. Who would be running campaigns and shining lights in dark local corners if it wasn’t for the Posts, Chronicles and Echoes. I was co-chairman of the judges last year.  It was a rewarding experience and confirmed that, despite the challenges, the regional media is alive, kicking, innovative and still making a huge difference. I look forward to being involved again with co-chair Alison Gow and witnessing first hand the quality work that is done day in, day out, by regional journalists. 

About Peter

Peter has been a journalist for more than 40 years. He trained on his home town paper, the Shields Weekly News, before moving to The Northern Echo. After a spell as chief sub of the late Evening Despatch he returned to the Echo as night-editor, deputy editor and then editor. He went on to become development editor of Westminster Press, owner of the Editorial Centre, non-executive director of Northcliffe Media, director at PA Training and from 2006-2011 was chairman of the judges in the Regional Press Awards. 

He has redesigned 90 newspapers and magazines and worked as a consultant for newspapers in Malta, India and China. His clients include many regional and national titles, including The Sun, The Telegraph, the i and the Daily Mirror. He now runs Sands Media Services with his wife Pam and is consultant trainer on the Daily Mail graduate programme in London, New York and Sydney. Peter is a recipient of the Journalists' Charity Award which 'recognises an individual or body that has made an outstanding contribution to journalism and journalists’.