Michael Davie was a terrific editor who boosted circulation of The Age. The story in here is that last year he begged Fairfax not to make Andrew Jaspan editor of the paper and suggested Fairfax executives talk to some high-ups at The Observer in London who’d explain why it would be a very bad idea indeed. Fairfax ignored his advice and didn’t make the calls. They must be regretting that decision.

CRIKEY: This is some of what what Jaspan had to say about Davie in The Age this morning: “Like Michael I, too, worked at The Observer and sought him out for advice before leaving London. I last heard from him earlier this year when we exchanged emails. He remained full of interest in how the paper was doing and for news from Melbourne. He was to the end very fond of The Age.”