Muir Named Head of Pagemasters North America

By: E&P Staff Toronto-based Pagemasters North America, a subsidiary of The Canadian Press, has appointed Stewart Muir managing director, marking the start of operational activity for Pagemasters North America after its launch was announced in August.

The company will provide U.S. and Canadian newspapers with a full range of editorial production services, from copy editing and headline writing to page design and layout. Citing "very positive feedback and interest," Pagemasters North America said it expects to have its first production center in full operation early next year.

Pagemasters North America is a collaboration between The Canadian Press and the Pagemasters subsidiary of Australian Associated Press which provides services to newspapers in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (E&P, March, Sept. 2009).

Pagemasters helps cut clients' production costs by efficiently preparing, editing and designing pages tailored to each newspaper's specifications. A key component of the new venture's business model is having the work done in North America by editors who are familiar with local culture, language and style guidelines.

With 25 years' experience in journalism, newspaper production and editorial management, Muir joins Pagemasters North America from Canwest News Service, where he was business manager. He previously served as deputy managing editor, business editor and world editor at the Vancouver Sun.

Muir said in a statement that the accuracy, integrity and speed for which the CP is respected "will be ingrained in the operations of Pagemasters North America."