Former SUR editor-in-chief José Antonio Frías dies, aged 61

The local press sector is mourning the loss of former SUR and SUR in English editor-in-chief José Antonio Frías, who died in Malaga on Thursday at the age of 61.

Frías, who was at the helm of the newspaper for 17 years, brought an end to his brilliant 31-year career in the sector in 2012 when he was replaced by Manuel Castillo.

Frías, from the Axarquía village of Mondrón, was instrumental in the modernisation and consolidation of SUR as the leading newspaper in the province of Malaga, having established the newspapers online presence and embraced new technology.

Shortly after his departure from the newspaper, Frías withdrew from public life when he suffered a stroke. He was, however, present in January to receive the Medal of Honour from the Malaga Press Association. The award recognised his contribution to SUR, first as a reporter, then head of the local newsdesk, deputy editor, before becoming editor-in-chief in 1995.

His successor, Castillo, said on Thursday: In the editorial team at SUR and at all of the newspapers in the Vocento group, we will always keep Frías in our memories as a symbol of authenticity and professionalism.