Former tabloid editor finds joy delivering good news
After four decades in journalism, former Scottish Sun editor Alan Muir now shares positive stories as part of the People’s Postcode Lottery team. He describes his current role as “life-affirming,” a welcome contrast to years of reporting on tragedy and conflict.
Muir spent 30 years at the Scottish Sun, rising from reporter to editor before joining the lottery organization. Today, he leads a small but dynamic team that includes communications officer Pamela Stirling and news reporter Craig Stewart.
“We work exactly like a newsroom,” Muir explains, “interviewing winners and writing up their stories for the local and national press.”
His work often takes him on the road, personally visiting households to deliver news of their win, which can amount to a share of a million pounds. The job brings him back to his journalistic roots.
“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,” he said. “It’s what I always loved to do… every single week is different.”
New lottery winners are announced daily, leaving little time for rest. Muir and his team face tight deadlines and long journeys, covering about 120,000 miles last year to reach winners across Great Britain.
Teamwork and storytelling on the road
- Operates like a traditional newsroom, focused on positive human-interest stories.
- Travels nationwide to deliver life-changing news in person.
- Balances emotional storytelling with journalistic authenticity.
Through his new role, Muir continues to showcase the human side of journalism, proving that not all news has to be grim to matter.
Author’s summary: Alan Muir’s transformation from tabloid editor to good-news storyteller shows how empathy and positivity can redefine a veteran journalist’s career.