20. Steve Dyson, Birmingham Mail

Birmingham Mail editor Steve Dyson took the reins of Birmingham's evening newspaper in October 2005. He oversaw the transformation from the old Evening Mail brand to the new name, which included a redesign of the paper.

Following terrorist bombings in London, and more recent terror attacks in other parts of the country, he has introduced the acclaimed Faiths in Our City column, which includes contributions from faith leaders from a range of communities.

More recently, the Mail has embraced the internet under his leadership, with the creation of a new website integrating video content and forums.

The Mail has run campaigning focusing on the development of New Street station, the closure of city post offices and protecting the environment.

Most controversially, the paper called for a referendum on whether to create a directly-elected mayor - earning the enmity of much of Birmingham's political classes.

This failed to gather enough support to force a ballot, but the paper appears to have won an unexpected victory by persuading Local Government Secretary Hazel Blears to return to the issue and change the rules governing when a referendum should be held.

Dyson, who is married with three children, has spent most of his career in Birmingham. He was initially with the Mail for eight years after joining in 1994 as industrial correspondent, and moved up the ranks to become features editor, head of news, assistant editor and then deputy editor.

He left Birmingham briefly to become editor of the Evening Gazette in Teeside, before returning to take charge of the Mail.