A message from the editor of the world’s oldest English language daily newspaper

The News Letter recently had its 284th birthday.
By Ben Lowry
Published 16th Oct 2021, 03:07 BST
Updated 16th Oct 2021, 10:55 BST
The recently appointed editor of of the News Letter Ben Lowry, pictured in the paper's Belfast office. Pic Colm Lenaghan/PacemakerThe recently appointed editor of of the News Letter Ben Lowry, pictured in the paper's Belfast office. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
The recently appointed editor of of the News Letter Ben Lowry, pictured in the paper's Belfast office. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

When I joined in 2007 we were aged 269, and our 300th anniversary seemed far into the future. It does not seem so far now — and we will travel on towards that date in September 2037.

It is an honour to become editor of the world’s oldest English language daily newspaper — and a sobering one, because there is a long heritage to protect.

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I now lead a small but dedicated team of talented News Letter journalists.

The title would not be here without your support as regular readers — and we know from the feedback how dedicated you are .

In particular our bumper Saturday edition is very popular, with the much loved Farming Life, and a host of other elements — news, politics, sport, columnists such as Owen Polley and Sandra Chapman, Billy Kennedy’s churches page.

This web version of this message to readers includes information below on how you can subscribe to the News Letter and continue to support our reportage.

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One of my early memories from the 1970s is of my grandparents in south Belfast (originally from Randalstown and Fermanagh) reading a broadsheet version of the News Letter with black and white photographs. They are long deceased but would be thrilled to know that the paper is alive and well — expanding, indeed, via digital and tablet editions.

• A link to columns by Ben Lowry

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A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdowns having had a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

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Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Ben Lowry

Editor

Related topics:Ben LowryBelfastFermanagh