Veteran journalist Paul Berton has been named editor-in-chief of The Hamilton Spectator.

The appointment was announced by publisher Dana Robbins, who was quoted in a Spectator story:

“Paul’s values are the values of The Spectator. He understands the role of a newspaper like The Spectator in the community,” Robbins said. “He’s a strong leader and the only mandate I’ve given him is to ensure The Spectator continues to produce national-calibre journalism and remains involved in the community.”

“Another selling point, he said, was Berton’s reputation for mentoring and professional development for news workers.”

Berton is currently editor-in-chief of the London Free Press. Check out his goodbye video. He told the Spectator:

“The future of print is uncertain, but the future of news organizations is looking up,” he said. “People are going to need news forevermore. It’s just a matter of how they get that news, and I think The Hamilton Spectator is perfectly positioned to remain the leader in newsgathering and dissemination.

“You’re the biggest newsgathering organization in your region, you have a great brand, you’re highly respected, the journalists are award-winners and nationally renowned, and you’re trusted.

“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be able to maintain that and build upon it in the future.”

Getting to that future, he said, will require investments in training while also meeting demands for increased efficiency and cost-cutting.

Berton’s Hamilton Spectator bio:

“A graduate of Carleton University and the University of Western Ontario, Berton joined the London Free Press in 1987, working as a reporter, columnist, copy editor and editor of various news departments. Before joining the Free Press, he worked at the Waterloo Region Record and the Toronto Star. He has contributed to Maclean’s magazine and Toronto Life.

“He is also co-creator of Eye Know, a visual trivia game, which won an award from Mensa when it was introduced in 2008.

“Berton, son of Canadian literary icon Pierre Berton, will take over in the next few weeks.”