The Weekly Times - 125 Years Old

The editor of The Weekly Times, Nick Trompf, looks at a 1994 anniversary

Australia's oldest and biggest-selling rural newspaper is celebrating a significant milestone in 1994.

The Weekly Times reaches its 125th anniversary, a worthy achievement for any newspaper but a remarkable one for a publication which has been so reliant on the fickle fortunes of agriculture for much of its existence.

The paper was first published on 11 September 1869 by a group of Melbourne businessmen who owned the now-defunct Daily Telegraph.

The businessmen wanted The Weekly Times to be a journal of political and social news and criticisms. "Independence, thorough, fearless, enlightened and incorrupt, is, so far as journalism is concerned, a virtue in itself..." the first editorial decreed.

Six years later The Weekly Times merged with two rural publications, The Economist and The Town and Country.

Then in May 1892 the Daily Telegraph company sold its buildings and mastheads to the Herald group, which has published The Weekly Times continuously since.

In its 125 years, The Weekly Times has successfully juggled a unique mix of news, information and entertainment to service largely readers beyond the metropolitan areas and major country centres (although it has significant sales in these places).

Today it retains its mantle as the most popular rural newspaper (easily) with the latest audited circulation 86,093 copies per week.

To celebrate the 125th anniversary, the paper has planned a year of festivities.

Within its pages will be a series of special 125th anniversary features on major industries as well as regional towns and cities.

There will be nostalgic promotions and giveaways, including commemorative posters and a restored FJ ute.

The paper is producing a commemorative book and has a bumper anniversary edition planned for September.

It is also taking a special display to the country to remind all of the heritage of Australian agriculture and its importance in our history.

It promises to be a year to remember.

Nick Trompf

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