Franzen, who has held the role for 16 years, has worked across Archant's Norfolk titles including as editor of the Great Yarmouth Mercury.
He joined the group in 1970 and will continue in 'an advisory and ambassadorial role' for the publisher.
"I have lived and breathed news all my working life and when you are an editor your job never stops - it is 24 hours a day and seven days a week all year round. It is always a hard decision to step down but there comes a time when you do want to enjoy your retirement while you are still young enough to do so," said Franzen in the release.
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