Sam McBride on making journalism worth paying for at the Belfast ...
Interview with British Journalism Awards winner and Belfast Telegraph Northern Ireland editor Sam McBride about state of UK local journalism.
pressgazette.co.ukHere’s the latest I can provide based on recent reporting:
- Mediahuis, the Belfast Telegraph’s publisher, has been actively prioritizing investment in Northern Ireland’s local news operation, including plans to recruit additional editorial staff and to establish a new office to strengthen coverage in the region. This was highlighted in industry coverage around early 2026, noting an expansion focus for Belfast Telegraph and related titles.[1]
- The ownership history shows Mediahuis acquired Belfast Telegraph (then INM properties) in 2019, and has since pursued growth strategies across its UK and NI titles, including subscriber-focused initiatives and digital-first approaches.[2][3]
- Public statements and industry analysis through 2025–2026 indicate ongoing emphasis on digital subscriptions and local news investment as part of Mediahuis UK’s strategy for the Belfast Telegraph brand and NI market.[6][7]
Illustration of recent development:
- Expansion plans typically involve adding 11 new editorial roles and opening a Northern Ireland office to cover the northwest region, reflecting a push to deepen local reporting and digital reach.[1]
If you’d like, I can pull more precise dates, quote exact statements, or compile a short timeline of key events for Mediahuis’s Belfast Telegraph coverage. I can also search for the latest official statements from Belfast Telegraph or Mediahuis for the most up-to-date details.