Pearls and Irritations is entering a new phase, with Editor-in-Chief John Menadue stepping back from day-to-day leadership and new appointments strengthening our future.

Dear Colleagues,

I write to update you about some changes at Pearls and Irritations.

As you will all know, I have been planning to spend more time writing, and less time running the daily affairs of Pearls and Irritations, for some time. Last year we moved many of my responsibilities across to our editor, Catriona Jackson. Now she is approaching her first anniversary in the job, and we are entering a new phase. Catriona is doing a great job. That is a great relief for me.

From this week, I will step away as Editor-in-Chief and Chair of the P&I Journal Board. I will remain a Board member, and, obviously, founder of P&I.

I am very pleased that P&I Board member, and renowned Australian journalist and editor, David Armstrong, has agreed to take over as Editor-in-Chief and P&I Board Chair.

In addition, Catriona will become Chief Executive as well as Editor, running all aspects, in addition to the editorial side, of the operation.

Many of you will be familiar with David’s work. He has been decade-long contributor to P&I, with well over 100 articles to his name, including the fortnightly Asian Media Report.

David is one of Australia’s best respected reporters, editors and media executives, with more than five decades of experience in Australia and Asia. Highlights of his career include: editor of The Bulletin; deputy editor of Sydney’s Daily Telegraph; editor of The Canberra Times; editor and editor-in-chief of Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post; editor-in-chief of The Australian; president (managing director) of the Bangkok Post company; chair of the Phnom Penh Post company; and chair of the Ucanews company.

We are very fortunate to have one of Australia’s most respected journalists step up as Editor-in-Chief and Board Chair.

Catriona and David are already working very well together. I know they cherish the strength and passion of the community that Susie and I have built over many years, together with our loyal supporters. In a depleted mainstream media landscape P&I plays a crucial role.

Please be assured that I am in fine spirits and health and am not going anywhere, even at 91. These changes are all part of a long-term plan to ensure that I can write and enjoy life more, and we can guarantee a long and healthy future for P&I. I will remain closely involved, and am ever more determined to promote rational, fact-based debate. Catriona, David, the P&I Board and team, all hold that same determination.

As we witness the rise of authoritarianism, daily assaults on free expression, evidence and truth, there has never been a more important time to ensure that P&I not only survives but thrives. These changes are designed to guarantee that.