Georgina Townshend, editor of kbbreview’s market-leading sister consumer title Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms, has been shortlisted for the New Editor of the Year award by the British Society of Magazine Editors (BSME).
Townshend stepped into the role this January, after serving as acting editor during maternity cover for the magazine’s previous editor.
Also shortlisted in the category are the new editors behind Farmers Guardian, The Economist’s 1843 Magazine, The Guardian Weekly and The Sunday Times Magazine.
The BSME says it is the only society in the UK exclusively for digital and print editors and senior editorial staff. Its aim is to represent the needs and views of all digital and print editors – providing a strong, clear voice for the publishing industry.
“Putting words together is a major part of my job; but when you ask me how I feel about being shortlisted for the BSME 2024 New Editor Award – I’m unable to summarise these emotions effectively,” said Townshend.
“I feel somewhere between bewildered, bemused,(bedraggled? wait no), and jubilant. I love what I do: I love magazines, I love the incredible industry I write about, and I love Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms magazine. Ever since joining Taylist Media and the team in 2018 (back then as features editor) it has categorically changed my life.
“Since being its editor from January this year (actually it was April 2023 that technically I became editor – although being on maternity leave meant I had to wait a while before officially sitting in the chair), I have strived to create a magazine that is easy to read, beautiful looking and filled with top-quality advice.
“KBB is a niche title, and we embrace this: we are the experts, and it’s up to us to provide our readers an enjoyable and beneficial experience from front to back. It’s incredible to know that this has been recognised by my peers and the BSME judges. Wish me luck!”
Andrew Davies, managing editor at Taylist Media, added: “Huge congratulations to Georgina, who more than deserves being shortlisted for this after doing such a great job since taking over as editor.
“Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms is such a flagship consumer media brand for this industry and it needs strong custodians like Georgina to maintain that nearly 40 year heritage, as well as continuously move it forward.”
This year’s BSME awards will take place on November 18 at luxury Covent Garden hotel Rosewood London. According to the BSME, its annual awards recognise the work of the best editors in the industry, as well as standout art directors, writers and columnists, the best launches and the most eye-catching covers.