“The Weekly News” will be sorely missed
I know many people have been saddened by the announcement that our sister publication “The Weekly News” is closing after an incredible 165 years in print.
The paper was launched on May 12, 1855. At the time, Queen Victoria was on the throne and Palmerston was Prime Minister.
It’s amazing to think how much the world has changed over all those decades. Yet “The Weekly News” consistently brought news and entertainment to the masses.
It sold nearly 1.5 million copies per week at its peak.
Personally, I have many fond memories of “The Weekly News”, having been part of the team that put it together up until around eight or nine years ago.
In all, I spent the best part of around 20 years working alongside some fantastic colleagues there. They were dedicated, hard-working, talented and fun.
Over the years many came and went, but we all remain friends to this day. And we still have regular catch-ups.
At the heart of “The Weekly News”, however, was always the reader.
And I, like them, shall miss “the paper with the feelgood factor” very much.
Magazines need sales to thrive
It’s a sad indication of the times that such a beloved newspaper has come to an end.
But the simple fact is that newspapers and magazines need sales to thrive.
Without them, that favourite magazine or newspaper may be lost forever. That’s why each and every sale is vital.
It’s only fitting that “The Weekly News” editor Billy Higgins has the final word:
“As the years have gone by, and competition and different forms of media has increased to levels that were scarcely believable even a few years ago, it has been increasingly difficult for ‘The Weekly News’ to make ends meet.
“That’s why we took the decision — at the turn of the year, long before the coronavirus crisis — to call it a day on our 165th anniversary in May.
“As we celebrate our long life this month, it is to be hoped that people do keep on buying newspapers and magazines, though.
“It would be a shame to see them die out.”
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Yvonne McKenzie I work on the Features team and admit to being nosy, so I love looking after the Between Friends letters and finding out all about our lovely readers. I also look after our health copy and enjoy writing about inspiring people that help make the articles in the magazine so interesting.
