The Impartial Reporter celebrating 150 years must consider how to balance advertising and reporting.
Established in 1825, The Impartial Reporter newspaper has witnessed and documented local life and wider society in this part of Fermanagh and south Tyrone.
With a circulation of 12,500 copies weekly the papers readers are mainly from the loyalist community.
Editor Jimmy Baker rejects accusations of bias and says the paper caters for the entire community and,
Give a fair report of everything that occurs.
The Impartial Reporter is one of the few remaining newspapers on the island whose front page is dedicated solely to advertising. Jimmy Baker admits that has resulted in less space available for news stories.
Looking to the future, he believes the creation of more diverse content would be a positive move.
I would like to see a women’s feature, we have never had one.
Striking a balance between advertising and editorial coverage may also be up for discussion. If the current format continues, The Impartial Reporter the fear is that there may be a danger of it becoming,
Nothing much more than a parochial exchange and mart.
A 'Newsround’ report broadcast on 25 May 1975. The reporter is Forbes McFall.
