Today, with over 130 national and regional brands across both print and online, Reach brands deliver news, entertainment and sport to the UK and Ireland, and our award-winning journalism is relied upon by millions. But where did it all begin?
Dating all the way back to the 1800s with the launch of the Newcastle Journal, our printing facilities (now called Reach Printing Services) has been around for hundreds of years and boasts an ever-increasing portfolio, highlighting our strong print heritage, both at a national and local level.
So, this new year, we are taking a deep dive into our print heritage, looking back at the long history behind two of our most popular titles…
The Chronicle
One of our well-known regional titles, ‘The Chronicle’, originally known as ‘The Newcastle Chronicle’ first began its journey all the way back in 1764 as a weekly newspaper by Thomas Stack and Ann Fisher. The paper remained in the family until 1850, when it was sold to a consortium led by Mark Lambert, a local businessman.
A repeal on taxes on newspapers in 1855, along with the installation of the printing press, created the opportunity to expand The Chronicle, with the Newcastle Daily Chronicle launching in 1858 under editor Joseph Cowen. Soon it became one of the best-selling provincial newspapers in the area, trusted and relied upon by the people of Newcastle and the North East. In 2013, the ‘Evening Chronicle’ later became known as ‘The Chronicle’ or ‘Chronicle Live’, and was the second fastest growing newsbrand in the UK.
Despite changes to The Chronicle over the years, it has remained true to its roots and continues to represent the local community, delivering important local news and current affairs. The Chronicle now has a readership of 29,071 (Nov 2022), and continues to provide core coverage of the Newcastle area.
The Daily Mirror
Founded in 1903 by Alfred Harmsworth, the Daily Mirror is the UK’s oldest surviving tabloid. Originally intended as a paper representing the interests, thoughts, and work of women, several changes took place during its early years, and ‘a paper for men and women’ was added to the masthead. In 1914, Harold Harmsworth purchased the newspaper from his brother, and by that time the average daily sale had reached over one million copies.
The Daily Mirror was later revolutionised during the 1930s and 40s, transforming the publication into a left-wing paper for the working class. It wasn’t until 1988 that the Daily Mirror began to print colour photographs, moving into a full colour production in 2008.
Today, the Daily Mirror is a trusted newsbrand, providing readers with accurate and comprehensive coverage of national and international news, current affairs, politics, sports and showbiz, and has recently been awarded ‘Daily Newspaper of the Year’ at the London Press Club Awards.
From the beginning, the main aim of our newsbrands has always been to enlighten, entertain and empower our audiences, giving our communities a voice and campaigning to hold power to account.
Through this, we have installed a consistent level of trust with our readers over a long period of time, and we continue to achieve this far into the future.
If you would like to learn more about newspaper publication and advertising, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Reach Printing Services.
