Newry Reporter: Local newspaper to close after 155 years

The Newry Reporter is based in Margaret Street in the city

One of Northern Irelands oldest local newspapers, the Newry Reporter, has confirmed it will close at the end of the month.

The paper has been in circulation for 155 years, publishing its first edition in 1867.

Like many other local titles in recent years, it has seen its circulation decline and advertising revenue fall.

In a statement, the Newry Reporter said it was with the utmost regret that it would cease publication on 25 January.

"Our immense gratitude to our wonderful staff, present and past, readers, advertisers, contributors and suppliers is undiminished," the newspaper added.

Broadcaster and TV presenter Gordon Burns said he was "absolutely gutted" to learn of the paper's demise.

The former BBC news anchor and Krypton Factor presenter - whose great-grandfather James Burns founded the Reporter - had visited the paper in 2017 to mark its 150th anniversary.

"To be honest I am quite upset," he told BBC Radio Ulster's Evening Extra programme.

"He (James Burns) founded it in difficult circumstances. There were already two newspapers in Newry at he time and everyone predicted failure for him. He took them on and saw them all off," he said.

Eamonn Connolly said the newspaper is "part of the fabric of Newry business"

Business, community and sports organisations in Newry say the paper's closure is a huge loss to the area.

Eamonn Connolly of Newry Business Improvement District said it was "a very sad day".

"It is part of the fabric of Newry business, both as a business itself and in representing Newry business," he said.

Brain Naughton from Carnbane Football League told BBC News NI that players were often thrilled to get a mention in its back pages.

"It was a great thing for a young player, for any player to feature in the Newry Reporter on a Thursday. You don't get that on the internet," he said.

'Local connection'

James McArevey, chairman of Newry Maritime Association said the closure was profoundly sad news for a paper that was "a virtual institution in Newry".

"The local paper here has always served us very well," he said.

"It's the eyes and ears of the community but, more importantly, for the community and voluntary sector and sporting organisations, it gives us a platform, gives us a voice, promotes our activities; raises awareness and it also helps promote civic pride and a sense of identity.

"It's the local connection as opposed to national media."

James McArevey said news of the closure was profoundly sad

Mr McArevey said the paper always was very generous in its commitment to local organisations.

"Sadly we are going to lose that platform now," he said.

The paper is owned by Edward Hodgett Ltd, a company which last year sold off its other newspaper, the Banbridge Chronicle.

The departure of the Newry Reporter means there will be just one other newspaper still based in the city - the Newry Democrat, which is owned by Alpha.