Former Tabloid Editor Finds Joy Delivering Good News
Alan Muir, former editor of the Scottish Sun, now works for People’s Postcode Lottery, sharing winners' stories. Unlike typical journalism focused on bad news, Muir’s team delivers only positive updates, a role he calls “life-affirming” after 40 years in the industry.
From Tabloid Editor to Prize Announcer
After three decades at the Scottish Sun, rising from reporter to editor, Muir leads the Postcode Lottery’s winners’ stories team. He actively visits winners at their homes to personally share news of their prizes, which can amount to millions of pounds.
The Team and Their Work
- Muir works alongside communications officer Pamela Stirling and reporter Craig Stewart.
- The team operates much like a newsroom, interviewing winners and preparing stories for local and national media.
- Publicity is only shared if winners agree.
Muir's Connection to His Early Career
“It’s turning the clock back 40-odd years for me to being a junior reporter knocking a door – there’s no difference at all. It’s what I always loved to do… every single week is different.”
His role echoes his first job as a junior reporter at the Ayr Advertiser in the 1980s. The work involves frequent travel and quick story turnarounds.
Scope of the Work
With new winners announced every day, the team faces tight deadlines and extensive travel. Last year alone, they covered 120,000 miles visiting winners across Great Britain.
Summary: Alan Muir’s transition from tabloid editor to delivering joyous lottery news highlights a rewarding return to grassroots journalism that brings positive stories directly to people’s doorsteps.