South: Deep South Media launches new photographic and video division

South Coast communications agency Deep South Media (DSM) has launched a new photographic and video division with former Newsquest picture editor Paul Collins joining the Bournemouth-based company to head up the new division.

His appointment brings the number of news professionals employed by DSM to 11, including three former business editors.

Ron Wain, joint managing director, said: "Paul is one of the best news and PR photographers in the business and we couldn't be more pleased to have secured his services. He's also a superb video journalist allowing us to offer this extra service to existing and new clients.

"Strong images - both still and moving - have never been more important, particularly in this age of social media. We're confident that our new photographic and video division will be a huge success within a very short space of time."

As picture editor of the Southern Daily Echo and Newsquest Hampshire since 1999, Collins was responsible for the photographic content of the Southern Daily Echo, Hampshire Chronicle, Basingstoke Gazette, Romsey Advertiser, Andover Advertiser and associated newspapers, magazines, websites and supplements.

His role included managing the photographic departments and staff of all of the publications as well as providing imaging and video solutions for media associated with them. He also maintained and developed a picture database containing over 1 million images.

Under Collins' leadership the Southampton centre sold more images than any of the 300 titles in Newsquest nationwide with his pictures being the biggest sellers.

He said: "Opportunities to carve out a brand new role in an established and profitable company like DSM come along very rarely. Deep South Media has an excellent reputation and I look forward to playing my part in helping the company to even further success in the future."

Founded in 1998 by former Bournemouth Daily Echo editor Gareth Weekes, DSM specialises in multi-media content, reputation management, design, stakeholder engagement and press office activities.

The firm's PR arm was launched in 2005. It now has 46 retained clients across a range of sectors, including lawyers, accountants, commercial and residential property specialists, auctioneers, care home providers, civil engineers, water and transport companies, schools and local authorities.