The People’s Friend, the world’s longest running women’s magazine, and still one of the UK’s biggest selling, has appointed respected editor and journalist Stuart Johnstone to lead the much-loved title.  

Stuart becomes only the 11th editor in the magazine’s 154-year history, which began with William D Latto in January 1869.   

The weekly magazine, published in Dundee by DC Thomson, is known around the world for its regular offering of feel-good fiction and features. Stuart has worked as a writer and editor at DC Thomson for over 20 years, and joins the Friend from his most recent role, as editor of sister title My Weekly. 

He succeeds Angela Gilchrist who served as editor for the last 15 years. In her final editorial in the July 8 magazine, she explains to readers that she has decided that the time is right to move on to pastures new.  

She gives heartfelt thanks to readers for their support, enthusiasm and friendship and lets them know that they, and the Friend are being left in Stuart’s “very safe hands”. 

Stuart says that he’s excited to be taking on the role and feels the weight of history on his shoulders, taking on such a cherished title. “It isn’t just a magazine,” he says, “It’s a way of life.”  

In his first editorial, he pays tribute to Angela, someone who he has worked with for many years and describes as a friend and a “truly inspirational and dedicated editor”.  

“I know what it means to readers,” he says, ”And I give them, and indeed Angela, my sincere promise to do my very best to continue bringing them the fantastic mix of stories and features that they enjoy in every issue.”  

Gift, Beano’s brand marketing and communications manager, has been appointed to the Professional Publishers Association’s (PPA) Next Gen Board. His talent and drive meant DC Thomson were keen to put him forward for this position and after a rigorous application process are delighted that he has been selected. 

He has been selected to join another 15 under 30s from across the industry to join the PPA’s Next Gen Board, who will work closely with the main PPA board to help shape the future of the media industry  

This initiative was launched as part of the PPA’s strategy to encourage more inclusivity of younger and more diverse voices across the media sector. The first meeting will take place in July.  

Gift Egbedi says: “I look forward to developing new relationships within the publishing and media industry working alongside my peers and members of the main PPA Board to access new ideas, learn more and share insightful information about the work of other media professionals. 

I am so excited to be part of the PPA Next Gen Board and I hope to contribute to the growth of the sector as a representative of DC Thomson“

Sarah Hall, head of brand marketing strategy say: “From BeanOLD to Britain’s Funniest Class and his incredible social and D&I working group initiatives, Gift has made a phenomenal difference to Beano Studios in the three years he’s been part of the team.  

The PPA New Gen Board is lucky to have one of our brightest stars, who I know will make a phenomenal difference and be an incredible voice for the future of the industry.” 

Back in 1972 Puzzler hit the newsstands as the nation’s first ever dedicated puzzle magazine. Now, Puzzler Media turns 50 and they’re celebrating in style.  

What better way to mark the occasion than a specially designed puzzle!? Screen Test is 50 cunning ‘rebus’ puzzles based around TV shows from the last 50 years. This real-life installation has been in the window of the DC Thomson Fleet Street office since the 9th November and has caused a bit of head-scratching from passers-by as they ponder what a hammer sitting on a pile of Sherlock Holmes novels could possibly represent… For those who aren’t in or around London but still love to solve puzzles, Screen Test is also available online.  

 Puzzler’s head of innovation, Shameem Begg says: “We wanted a live experience to spread some joy to the millions of people who play puzzles every day. We knew it had to be something fun that spanned generations – just like Puzzler!   

“We all remember, with great fondness, TV shows from our youth so we’ve created a set of 50 visual clues to represent 50 of the UK’s best known TV shows from the last 50 years. Rebus puzzles make you smile when you solve them, the TV show Catchphrase is a great example – it started back in 1986 and people continue to watch it today because it’s so much fun to play along.”   

The fun doesn’t stop there… Puzzler Media released a gold-foiled edition of Puzzler, featuring some iconic and original puzzles, exclusive competitions and a special Miranda-themed selection curated by the one-and-only Miranda Hart. 

Miranda says, “I’m genuinely thrilled to have been asked to be guest editor for Puzzler, for it has been a good friend to me during both the good times and bad times of my half-century in this world. Yes, I too am turning 50 this year – all the greats were conceived in 1972 (my wholly unbiased opinion…).”