Newry Reporter acquired by News Letter parent company, National World Plc

The local paper had announced that a final edition was planned for 25 January, with an expected loss of 10 jobs.

However the acquisition ensures the continuity of the publication and means the preservation of a respected local paper that has served the local community continuously since 1867.

National World said in a statement that the paper has been maintained as a high quality paper by its previous owner, Edward Hodgett Ltd, and has a strong readership.

The new owners said The Newry Reporter’s long heritage in Newry and the Mournes presents a key opportunity to underpin National World’s growth in its business in Belfast, Londonderry and with other weekly papers, including its Farming Life publication, which enjoys significant circulation in the area.

Commenting on sale of the title, Edward Hodgett Ltd said that the Hodgett family has had "the immense pleasure" to steward The Newry Reporter for 96 years and across three generations.

The title had served Newry, Mourne and South Down "since the Victorian era of 1867, in a span across tectonic global and national rifts. World Wars, Partition, The Troubles and Covid have all been taken in the title’s stride. Until now."

It had grieved the company to announce its last edition would be at the end of January 2023. "However, we never gave up striving to find a more positive outcome for both our wonderful staff and one of Ireland’s most historic newspapers,” it added.

Lowry Hodgett, Managing Director of Edward Hodgett Ltd, the titles’ owners, said: "National World has done its utmost to save jobs, shares our values of service and strongly supports The Newry Reporter’s independent editorial ethos. The title now has a bright future.”

National World’s Executive Chairman, David Montgomery, added: “The Reporter has a proud history and National World is committed to uphold and foster its heritage. It is important that its independent editorial voice is protected and plays a part in promoting Newry and the wider region. We are proud to take on that role and support all The Reporter’s staff and contributors in that mission.”

National World Plc is a British multimedia company which owns titles including The Scotsman, the Yorkshire Post, The News Letter and the Derry Journal.

The news that the Newry Reporter was to close caused widespread sadness among its readers on social media last week.

Jim McGuigan said: "So sorry to read this. The Newry Reporter has been essential reading all my life. Sad news for staff and owners."Rose Sloan added that her late father had worked there for many years "and said they were the best employers".

Edward Hodgett Ltd also owned the Banbridge Chronicle which was also due to close last year. However the title was later saved when it was bought out by Scottish newspaper company Bann Media Ltd.

On the same day the Reporter announced it was to close last week, the Daily Mirror and Express publisher Reach announced that it was to axe 200 jobs as part of major cost-cutting following a slump in advertising revenue.