Newsworks poaches Publicis Media’s Smith for top comms job

Newsworks, the marketing body for the news publishing sector, has named Rupert Smith as director of communications, a newly created role.

Smith, who has a background in journalism with Trinity Mirror (now Reach) and currently works for Publicis Media, will work with the Newsworks team and newsbrands to create a more “powerful industry story” that will reinforce the “collective value” of published news to advertisers, readers and the wider media industry.

“I have always been a passionate advocate of the news industry, its journalists and, of course, its journalism,” said Smith, who will report to executive chair Tracy De Groose.

“From the MPs’ expenses scandal to Cambridge Analytica, I have long admired the investigations and campaigns sought out by our journalists. I was even lucky enough to play a part in several agenda-setting exclusives while I was at the Mirror.

“Publishers have recognised they need to collaborate in order to thrive in tomorrow’s world – projects like The Ozone and PAMCo are clear evidence of this ambition. I want to support and help Newsworks drive this collaborative agenda even further.”

Smith takes up his position later this month.