DISTRICT NEWS - For Louise Karsten, journalism has never been just a job. Now, 15 years after joining Mossel Bay Advertiser as a young journalist, she is taking on her biggest role yet as Group Editors' group editor.

Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the company's five community newspapers and their digital platforms, but also a particularly meaningful handover. 

In a significant move, Group Editors is bringing its editorial and digital departments together under one leadership structure, and Karsten will take responsibility for both as group editor.

Outgoing group editor Suzette Herrer welcomed Karsten into the Advertiser newsroom in 2011 when she was still its editor. She appointed Karsten as the news editor in 2022, and two years later, handed over the full editorship of the Advertiser to her when she became group editor.

"It is very special to me to have followed Louise's career over the past 15 years and to have been part of her growth," Herrer said. 

"It makes me genuinely proud that she is now taking this next step. She knows our newspapers, understands the importance of local journalism and has the dedication and passion to take them forward."

For Karsten, the appointment is both a proud milestone and a responsibility she is eager to embrace. "Journalism has never felt like just a job to me. It is work I care deeply about, and I still find it as rewarding and exciting as when I started."

Her career spans print and broadcast journalism, with highlights including her appointment as editor of the Advertiser and recognition at the Avbob Forum for Community Journalism (FCJ) Awards.

Looking ahead

Karsten takes the reins at a time of significant change in the media industry, with artificial intelligence reshaping the way news is produced and consumed. Despite these developments, she believes community journalism remains the group's greatest strength. 

"We know our towns, we know our readers, and we understand the issues that matter to them. I want us to build on that strength and produce journalism that makes a difference in our communities."

She believes print newspapers must offer original, hyperlocal stories that readers cannot find elsewhere, while digital platforms must deliver news quickly without compromising accuracy. "We want to break the news, but being first must always come with getting it right."

Group CEO Servaas de Kock welcomed her appointment, describing Louise as a respected journalist with a thorough understanding of the company and strong ethical standards.

He also paid tribute to Herrer, whose dedication and integrity over more than 40 years have left a lasting mark on Group Editors.

De Kock emphasised the importance of an integrated print and digital strategy to take the company forward.

Away from the newsroom, Karsten enjoys running, boxing classes and cooking. As she begins this new chapter, her focus remains firmly on the communities the newspapers serve. "Group Editors' strength is community journalism," she says. "My role is to keep that focus clear and lead our newsrooms confidently through change, bringing the stories of our people to our people."

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