Newspapers: The Times - Introduction

 1) What year was The Times founded and when did it start using the Times name?

The Times, founded in 1785 as the Daily Universal Register, is the oldest national daily newspaper in the UK. officially adopted the name The Times three years later, on January 1, 1788. Founded by John Walter in London, it was the first newspaper in the world to use "Times" in its title. 

2) What content did John Walter suggest the paper would offer in the first edition?

• Political News: Observations on the dispositions of both British and foreign courts for the political reader.
• Debates: Reporting on parliamentary debates for those interested in public affairs.
• Trade and Commercial News: Attention to the interests of commerce, with a strong focus on advertising.
• General Information: A "faithful recorder of every species of intelligence".
• Amusements: Features for entertainment.
• Morality: A promise that the paper would not contain content that could "wound the ear of delicacy, or corrupt the heart". 

3) What does the page say about the political views in The Times? 

The About Us page stresses The Times’ editorial independence and a commitment to fair reporting rather than overt partisanship. Independent media analyses tend to describe the paper as centre-right or centre-leaning in practice, though it publishes a range of opinions and sometimes refrains from party endorsements. 

4) Who owns The Times today and how is editorial integrity protected?

owned by News UK, which is a subsidiary of News Corp. News Corp is a global media conglomerate controlled by the Murdoch family. Following Rupert Murdoch's step down as chairman in 2023, his son, Lachlan Murdoch, has taken over as the primary custodian and chairman of News Corp. 

5) What did The Times introduce in 2010 and why?

introduced a digital paywall, requiring users to pay for online access to their content. This move was implemented to create a sustainable revenue model to combat falling print advertising income and to monetize online content, charging £1 per day or £2 per week. The decision was made due to declining advertising revenues and to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the journalism, 

6) What was The Times named in 2018 by the Reuters Institute for Journalism at Oxford University?

In 2018, The Times was named Britain's most trusted national newspaper

7) What does the section on Editorial Standards say about The Times and newspaper regulation?

IPSO Regulation: The newspaper is regulated by IPSO, which means it follows the Editors' Code of Practice.

Complaints Procedure: Complaints regarding editorial content are taken seriously, acknowledged on receipt, and aimed to be resolved within 28 days.

Accuracy and Correction: A significant inaccuracy or distortion must be corrected promptly and with due prominence.

Compliance with Code: The Times adheres to rules regarding privacy, harassment, and the protection of children.

Digital Standards: Similar standards apply to online content and social media, with policies against personal attacks or harassment. 

8) What does the section on Ownership say about The Times and who is the current editor?

Tony Gallagher is the current editor of The Times. He was appointed in September 2022, succeeding John Witherow, who stepped down to become chairman of Times Media Limited. Before this, Gallagher served as the deputy editor of The Times (joining in 2020) and previously held positions as editor of The Sun and The Daily Telegraph. 

While Rupert Murdoch stepped down as chairman of News Corp in 2023, the paper remains under the control of the News Corp group, now chaired by his son, Lachlan Murdoch. The publications were acquired from the Thomson Corporation in 1981, following a period where they were brought under common ownership in 1967.