This October Peter Vandermeersch, former CEO of Mediahuis Ireland, assumes a distinguished new role that cements a distinguished career with the Belgian-based multinational media company.
Vandermeesch had spent 22 formative years at Der Standaard, moving up the ranks from Paris correspondent to editor in chief. He held the same title at Mediahuis NRC for about a decade, before his secondment to Ireland as publisher, then CEO.
His tenure as CEO of Mediahuis Ireland proved a tour de force: Vandermeesch played an integral role in its digital transformation, turning the struggling media company into a profitable outfit – with a 100,000-strong digital subscriber base which, in turn, helped the Mediahuis group as a whole reach 1 million digital subscribers.
He shares insights into his new role, with sage advice for all news media stakeholders.
What can we expect from the inaugural Mediahuis Fellow of Journalism and Society – what prompted this move, and what do you envision here?
The Mediahuis Fellowship in Journalism and Society was created to actively strengthen independent journalism at a moment of immense change. Journalism is under pressure, both economically and socially, and we need to equip it to thrive.
Through the fellowship, I’ll write – for example in my Substack Press and Democracy – and teach about pressing challenges such as misinformation, inclusion, press freedom, and how publishers engage with Big Tech and AI.
I’ll work with organisations like WAN-IFRA, INMA, and universities to create practical solutions that increase journalism’s societal impact.
‘My focus will include boosting trust, reaching diverse audiences, protecting local news, and helping newsrooms use AI responsibly.
The goal is clear: make journalism stronger, more relevant, and more resilient.’
Journalist, editor, author, CEO – even photographer – now Fellow: which hat has fit you best so far, and why?
Every role I’ve had taught me something crucial: curiosity from journalism, judgment from editing, strategy from being a CEO, and storytelling instincts from photography.
The Fellowship brings all of that together. It allows me to take a 360-degree view of journalism’s role in society, focusing on impact without getting tied up in day-to-day operations. Right now, this role feels like the perfect fit because I can influence the bigger picture while staying grounded in the realities of newsrooms.
You’ve made your mark as an innovative leader, especially with your rapid revitalisation of Mediahuis Ireland. What lessons can struggling industry leaders take from that experience?
Revitalisation is about combining clarity, courage, and creativity. At Mediahuis Ireland, we focused on digital growth, a strong newsroom culture, and connecting with audiences in meaningful ways.
For leaders today, the lesson is simple: put your mission first. Invest in editorial independence, break down silos, and encourage collaboration. Be transparent, trust your teams, and embrace innovation – even when it’s disruptive. And with AI now part of the newsroom, leaders must see it as a tool to enhance, not replace, the work of journalists.
You’ve written about your deep concern for journalism. What are the priority challenges today for journalists, editors and newsrooms?
For journalists: The main challenge is standing firm against misinformation while keeping public trust. Journalists also face economic pressures and fast-changing technology, which can reshape how stories are told and consumed.
For editors: Editors must deliver accurate, trustworthy news in a 24/7 cycle, balancing commercial pressures with editorial integrity. They also need to manage smaller teams, integrate tools like AI and analytics, and support their staff in high-pressure environments.
For newsrooms: Newsrooms must find sustainable business models while reaching audiences on digital and social platforms. They need to innovate in storytelling, build inclusive teams, and maintain credibility – all while safeguarding independence in an era of information overload.
Complete this sentence: “Journalism is at a crossroads…”
…between incredible technological opportunities and rising societal mistrust. Every choice we make now will determine whether journalism emerges stronger, more trusted, and more essential to democracy – or weaker and less relevant.
I’m committed to doing everything I can to ensure journalism comes out stronger than ever.
