The QT Team

Brian was editor of The Journal, from 2003 to 2014. While at the helm, he built up one of the most extensive and powerful business networks in the North East and initiated multiple successful campaigns and projects that contributed to, and celebrated the success of the region. The campaigning work involved working in partnership with the likes of the NEECC, CBI, the region’s universities and cultural organisations, Nissan, and Newcastle International Airport. After eight years working as a media consultant, Brian is delighted to be diving back into North East journalism with determination at a crucial time for the region.

North East Arts Journalist of the year in 2007, Sam spent 16 years at The Journal & ChronicleLive as a Senior Arts & Features writer. She was an integral member of the team behind the innovative and award-winning Culture initiative, which combined a monthly magazine; Culture Club members scheme; and annual Culture Awards for more than a decade. Since 2017, Sam has been working as a freelance journalist and media consultant, while continuing to champion the North East’s cultural sector via the founding of website Cultured. North East, which she has brought with her to The QT.

Simon is a talented and versatile journalist who spent seven years at The Journal as chief sports writer and assistant sports editor. He is the co-founder of media company paperclip.it. Simon is also an experienced lecturer in journalism with a passion for bringing on the profession’s next generation. And talking of passions, he has been the engine of rock music website, RushonRock since 2010.

David started writing about visual art for The Journal in the 1980s and became Arts & Entertainment Editor in 1991, interviewing, reviewing and reporting on stories relating to the arts – including the redevelopment of Newcastle and Gateshead quaysides and the emergence of BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Sage Gateshead. For 12 years, from 2005, he was editor of the Culture magazine, which documented the cultural scene across the wider North East - alongside the daily Culture pages in The Journal - and won regional and national awards. David himself has been named North East Arts Writer of the Year seven times thanks to his insightful and broad-ranging coverage. Since the summer of 2018, David has been writing for Cultured. North East and wider publications across the region.

Sara Jane March is a creative individual with a diverse career background. Based in Gateshead, Sara Jane March has always believed 'being different is the answer' so her post-pandemic journey into journalism has not been a conventional route. After graduating with a B.Ed ( Hons ) degree in 1994, Sara Jane taught in Rome at one of Italy's leading international schools as well as enjoying a 25-year career as a professional singer. She has sung with Boy George at Abbey Road studios, performed in pantomimes and on musical theatre tours as well as working as a Cruise Director for Cunard and P&O Australia. Sara Jane has written articles and produced social media video content for both national and regional publications and most recently worked as a digital content and production journalist for ITN at Channel 4 and ITV news.

Steve started in journalism with The Journal before switching to communications with a CV including spells working in Nicaragua, Cameroon and almost two decades in Vietnam. Much of his career has been spent in international charity campaigning including working to end Asia’s bear bile trade and helping Chinese migrant workers access childcare. Before that he was Head of Marketing and Communications for the British Council in Vietnam and English Editor at news website VietNamNet. Back in the UK, Steve has enjoyed stints working in communications with Newcastle City Council, Business Link Tyne & Wear, Tyneside TEC and the Marine Management Organisation.