Tammy Tam named as South China Morning Post editor-in-chief
Experienced print and TV journalist to take over from Wang Xiangwei on January 1
The South China Morning Post’s deputy editor, Tammy Tam, will succeed Wang Xiangwei as editor-in-chief on January 1 next year, it was announced yesterday.
Tam, Wang’s No 2 since 2012, is a media veteran with extensive reporting and editing experience in newspapers and television. She is the first woman to take the role in the newspaper's 112-year history.
Wang decided to step down to return home to Beijing, where his family lives, after four years as editor-in-chief based in Hong Kong. He will, however, continue to serve the Post, as editorial adviser to Tam.
Announcing the leadership change, SCMP Group CEO Robin Hu said in his message to staff: “Prior to joining the Post, Tammy has established herself as an outstanding TV news professional … At a time when news consumption is at its highest, and yet shifting, Tammy’s experience over multiple mediums and familiarity with speed to market puts her in position to lead us into round-the-clock publishing.”
He also paid tribute to Wang’s “sterling contributions” over 20 years at the Post, particularly in producing coverage of China that is admired internationally, and more recently in taking the newsroom from a print-centric set-up to one capable of publishing across both traditional and digital platforms.
In his email to staff, Wang said: “Tammy is one of the most experienced and capable journalists I have known … I believe that we now have a leaner and stronger newsroom. With Tammy’s leadership and your support, the Post will grow from strength to strength.”