The latest and perhaps broadest effort yet in democratizing the news is under way at Yahoo, which on Tuesday will introduce a news blog that will rely on search queries to help guide its reporting and writing on national affairs, politics and the media.

Or, to quote the exact words of Michael Johnston, managing director of JP's Scottish division: "We possibly did not invest enough in journalism" and "my own group made a number of ill-advised acquisitions."

His digital experience and enthusiasm are likely to see him take a senior position in News Int's digital division.