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Stig Abell

Editor/Publisher, Times Literary Supplement

Stig Abell is a prominent figure in the literary and media landscape of the UK, currently serving as the Editor and Publisher of the Times Literary Supplement (TLS) since May 2016. Under his leadership, the TLS has undergone significant changes aimed at modernizing its approach while maintaining its reputation as a leading publication for literary and cultural commentary.4

Background and Education

Abell holds a double first in English from Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he studied from 1998 to 2001. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his career in literature and journalism.1

Career Highlights

  • Times Literary Supplement (TLS): Abell has been instrumental in shaping the editorial direction of the TLS, focusing on enhancing its relevance in contemporary literary discussions. He also contributes as a reviewer, having been associated with the publication since 2001.13
  • The Sun: Before joining TLS, he served as Managing Editor at The Sun from August 2013 to April 2016. His role involved overseeing editorial content and managing operations during a period of significant media scrutiny.12
  • Press Complaints Commission: Abell was the Director of the PCC from 2010 to 2012, where he played a crucial role in media regulation discussions following high-profile scandals. His contributions to the Leveson Inquiry were noted for their depth and insight.12

Media Presence

In addition to his editorial work, Stig Abell has made appearances on various media platforms, including BBC and Sky News, where he discusses literary trends and media issues. He has also written for several notable publications such as The Telegraph and The Spectator.14

Abell's career reflects a blend of literary passion and media acumen, positioning him as a key influencer in both fields.

Highlights

May 20 · twitter

Coming up on @TimesRadio Breakfast: MASSIVE VICTORY or ABJECT SURRENDER or (more likely) modest trade deal that leaves difficult questions unanswered. We’ll bring the nuance today. Plus, is Trump getting ready to walk on Ukraine, bad wedding gifts, can I have my ball back etc https://t.co/EBiYQLZ9MF

Coming up on @TimesRadio Breakfast: MASSIVE VICTORY or ABJECT SURRENDER or (more likely) modest trad
May 19 · twitter

I grew up reading private eye stories, so it’s lovely to see two Jake Jackson books in the top 5 Kindle chart for that category. You can still get the new one for 99p here: https://t.co/W16mL4EUwz https://t.co/wmNzLKnjKA

I grew up reading private eye stories, so it’s lovely to see two Jake Jackson books in the top 5 Kin

Related Questions

What inspired you to become a literary editor?
How has your experience at The Sun influenced your approach at the TLS?
What are some of the most memorable reviews you've published in the TLS?
How do you select the books to be reviewed in the TLS?
What challenges have you faced as the editor of the TLS?
Stig Abell
Stig Abell, photo 1
Stig Abell, photo 2
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Experience

Editor/Publisher at Times Literary Supplement (May 2016 - Present)
- Reviewer at Times Literary Supplement (2001 - Present) - Managing Editor at The Sun (August 2013 - April 2016) - Partner at Pagefield (March 2012 - August 2013) - Fiction Reviewer at The Spectator ( at Press Complaints Commission (September 2005 - January 2010)

Education

MA in English from Cambridge University (1998 - 2001)

Location

London, England, United Kingdom