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Plans to close the Newry Reporter newspaper with the loss of 10 jobs have been averted, with the aquisition of the title by British multimedia company National World. Edward Hodgett Ltd, owners of the paper had announced that they would print the final edition next week but today's news means the publication that has been published for 155 years will be preserved.
Commenting on the sale of the title Edward Hodgett Ltd said: "For 96 years and across three generations, the Hodgett family has had the immense pleasure to steward The Newry Reporter, serving Newry, the Mournes, South Down and South Armagh 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.
"Last week it grieved us to announce the profoundly sad news to our readership and further afield, that we would be producing our last edition 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."
National World own many local regional newspapers including the Portadown Times, Lurgan Mail, Mid Ulster Mail and Ulster Star. They also own the Newsletter with its Farming Life supplement.
Lowry Hodgett, Managing Director of Edward Hodgett Ltd, the title's owners, added: "National World has done its utmost to save jobs, share our values of service and strongly support The Newry Reporter’s independent editorial ethos. The title now has a bright future.”
Commenting on the acquisition, National World’s Executive Chairman, David Montgomery, said: “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.”
