A blow for local media...
Good morning, Micheal with you here. News this week of the Newry Reporter’s impending closure after 155 years is a major blow for the city – and the media industry.
The commentary around the newspaper’s decision to close has been largely one of regret and sadness. There was of course the odd, ‘sure everyone reads the news on their phones these days’. And yes, Armagh I is a digitally-native platform, but this is not about the loss of a newspaper – it’s about the loss of a news platform; the loss of an editorial team.
People will be always be able to read ‘stuff’ on their phones but if there is no news platform – one that did a pretty good job at holding public bodies to account – what are people reading? Without the journalists, it’s not the news – it’s views and for the best part, under-researched opinions.
It is hard work to maintain a news publication when we are so used to getting news for free these days (I know, the irony is not lost on me).
However, it’s an age-old question (well, since the dawn of the internet); how do you make news more sustainable...?
As always, we welcome your feedback on this and pretty much anything really as it’s important to keep giving you – the reader – what you actually want (even if it is for free). To that end here’s a little Twitter thread from the Belfast Telegraph’s Allison Morris on the Bel Tel’s use of the paywall. She’s done a pretty good job at replying to as many people as possible on the subject.
PS, I’m certainly not alluding to the introduction of a paywall at Armagh I but if you want to pay us, do let us know :)
Headlines
Driver injured as tree falls on school bus carrying six children in Richhill
Work begins to transform four derelict properties in Armagh city centre
Derelict school at Derrytrasna church to be demolished to help improve public safety
Woman fined £350 following ‘drink-fuelled’ assault on police in Portadown
Money to burn! Trading Standards inspections reveal short weight bags of coal
Daisy Hill Hospital set for major £9million electrical upgrade
Friday funeral for Pastor Samuel Cheyne, a ‘great man of God’
Two face drugs charges over discovery of suspected Craigavon cannabis factory
Make your move in 2023 with a range of getactiveabc programmes
Plans to demolish and rebuild Co Armagh primary school recommended for approval
PSNI reverse decision refusing to provide figures on dual-identity sex offenders
Armagh legend Sean ‘Dingle’ Daly will be ‘remembered for years to come’, mourners told
When non-Irish speaker Amie Cumiskey opted to send her eldest child to an Irish medium pre-school, it created a ripple effect within her family and instilled in her a passion for promoting the language. Amie, who admits she has only “cúpla focail”, is now chairperson of the school, Naíscoil an Chreagáin in South Armagh.
Ticket Giveaways
Next week sees the return of the Ulster Orchestra to Market Place Theatre, Armagh. We have teamed up with Market Place Theatre to give away 2 pairs of tickets to the show on January 19. To be in with a chance of winning, simply complete the form here
Congratulations to Barbara McSorley!! You’ve gone and won this week’s ticket giveaway. Contact us on 02837443043 to claim your tickets! And for the rest of you here’s your chance to enter this week
Check out the cinema listings here
The BIG news this week was Armagh I’s new fold down desk! We conducted some health and safety training with our Scott - just watch how that went!
Robinson Library
It is safe to say many chapters have been turned at Armagh Robinson
Library, with a new chapter opening for Manor and Mill.
In 1771 Armagh Robinson Library was founded by Archbishop Richard Robinson as a public library to serve the community. He also endowed the Library to ensure its existence and independence. This includes a portfolio of property in Armagh City. In 2023 Manor & Mill are delighted to announce our appointment to the management of the Armagh Robinson Library commercial and domestic property portfolio and
we look forward to assisting the Library's Governors and Guardians in
supporting this fantastic facility for many years to come.
Speaking to Armagh I, owners Paul Gwynne and Philip Johnston said they were “excited to be given the opportunity to further enhance our managed property stock across County Armagh and particularly the Armagh Robinson Library portfolio. It is great to see forward thinking from the Governors and Guardians to ensure engagement with the local community and that opportunities from tourism and education are secured for future generations."
Armagh Jobs
Interiors Designer and Curtain Specialist required for Wrights Interiors
Are you a Early Years Practitioner? Check out this role with Tiny’s Day Nursery at €13 an hour
Procon Skyhire currently recruiting for a Business Manager
Tyrone I
Blue plaque status property at Northland Place Dungannon enters market for sale. Ever fancied owning a piece of history? Now is your chance as number 3 and 3a Northland Place Dungannon has entered the market for sale.
Number of sheep ‘put to sleep’ following dog attack in Dungannon
Ballygawley pupil amongst award winners in nationwide eco-villains competition