NEWSPAPER readers in Newry have expressed their sadness as one of Northern Ireland’s oldest titles is set to close.
In a statement yesterday, The Newry Reporter said it was with “utmost regret” the paper would cease publication after serving the community for 155 years, with the last edition to be published on January 25.
“Our immense gratitude to our wonderful staff, present and past, readers, advertisers, contributors and suppliers is undiminished.”
First published by James Burns on October 16, 1867, and costing three halfpence, the paper was later acquired by the Hodgett family in the 1920s.
The Covid pandemic had previously shut the paper down in April 2020, before it returned eight weeks later.
It is reported that staff were informed of the closure on Wednesday morning after the owners were unable to secure a new buyer.
Among hundreds of readers paying tribute to the paper were local politicians.
Former UUP MLA and Stormont minister Danny Kennedy said: “Really sad news, ‘The Reporter’ has been an institution in the Newry area and its editors, journalists and staff were/are local legends. It will be so missed. Thoughts are with the owners, editor and all staff.”
Alliance MLA for South Down, Patrick Brown, commented: “Very sad news, the Reporter represented top class local journalism. A real loss to the people of Newry and South Down.”
UUP councillor David Taylor said: "It’s extremely sad news to see the loss of such a long standing and highly renowned institution in Newry - my thoughts are with all the staff affected - The Reporter has produced a quality publication week in week out on local community news and will be greatly missed."
U105 presenter Frank Mitchell said: “Such a setback for the local community. Really saddened to hear this. A great paper all through my lifetime."
Journalists who got their start at the weekly newspaper told of their sadness that production will cease.
Freelance reporter Carmel Robinson said: "Terribly sad to hear that the Newry Reporter, where I worked as a cub reporter in the 80s, is to cease publication. Hopefully a solution can be found and it can be saved. A great paper to work for always. Best wishes to all the staff."
UTV journalist Sarah McKinley said she was "gutted" to learn of the closure.
"I don’t know another local paper as dedicated to holding public bodies to account. I will be eternally grateful to (editor Paul Welsh)
for giving me my first news job."
