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Kris Gilmartin

Digital Director

 

The Scottish Sun’s Digital Editor talks about the rewards of seeing a story develop from a tip to a splash and wanting to be Kurt Cobain when he was younger.

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the working day: so what was on the menu this morning?

The daily staple of Skyr Yoghurt and Granola to justify haggis/poached eggs at weekends.

Sum up what you do at News UK in the shortest sentence possible.

I run The Scottish Sun’s website.

Lay a bit of context on that?

I’m responsible for the day to day running of thescottishsun.co.uk, covering everything from editorial, staffing, commercial, traffic, Scottish Sun Radio and working with other departments across the business.

What attracted you to the role in the first place?

I was the News Editor on the website for the last 3 years, so it was the natural next step. I’ve worked in digital news for more than ten years so this was an opportunity to develop new skills outside of editorial.

What’s the most interesting/challenging part of your job?

The most interesting part of the job is the variety of stories we cover. From the sharp end of politics to viral videos, and everything in between. It’s hugely rewarding to see a story develop from a tip to a splash.

The biggest challenge is learning lots of new elements of the role while continuing the daily chase for traffic, continuing to grow and improve the site, and look at new ways to increase revenue.

What are the three most important things on your working agenda today?

  • A couple of exclusives to get over the line.
  • Monthly meeting with commercial and marketing.
  • Drilling into some data around annual growth.

Last book, film, binge watch and sounds you consumed?

Book: Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
Film: Coco (with my daughter)
Binge: American Gods
Sounds: Villagers new album Fever Dreams

Who is your role model? And why?

I grew up wanting to be Kurt Cobain, but I’m slowly morphing into my dad, so he gets the nod. His work ethic is second to none.

What is your most treasured possession?

Fender Strat or my Egg BBQ.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Nicholas Cage

Last holiday destination? And why?

Maldives. Press trip.

You’ve won ten million on the Lottery – what do you do?

Charter a flight back to the Maldives and take my friends and family to go diving with whale sharks.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Life is all about timing.

What one bit of advice would you give someone wanting to do your job?

Work hard, try to learn from everyone around you and be nice (journalism is a goldfish bowl).

Tell us something not many people know about you…?

My spirited rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody in the stands at Chester-le-Street at The Ashes got a mention in the South Sydney Morning Herald.

Who would be your three Fantasy Dinner Party guests? And why?

Jimi Hendrix, Bill Murray, Quentin Tarantino – Jimi to provide the tunes, Bill the gags, and Tarantino the conversation.