The Times

The Times was founded by John Walter on January 1, 1785, and was originally known as The Daily Universal Register before adopting its current name on January 1, 1788. It is recognized as one of the world's oldest and most prestigious newspapers, known for its comprehensive journalism and influence in British and global media.

In 1821, The Times became the first newspaper to be printed using a steam-powered press, which significantly increased the number of copies that could be printed. This technological advancement allowed The Times to become more widely distributed and marked a significant turning point in the history of mass media production and newspaper distribution.

In 1854, The Times sent William Howard Russell as a war correspondent to cover the Crimean War. His reports, noted for their graphic descriptions and critical view of the British military leadership, marked the beginning of modern war reporting. The dispatches helped change public perception of warfare and exerted pressure on the British government regarding military reforms.

On October 17, 1959, The Times transitioned to using offset printing, which was a more efficient and higher quality printing process. This allowed for better quality images and quicker printing times, helping The Times stay competitive in the evolving media landscape. This change marked a significant technological shift in how newspapers were produced in the UK.

On November 26, 1981, media mogul Rupert Murdoch acquired The Times through his company, News Corp. This acquisition included significant influence on the editorial direction and operations of the newspaper and marked the beginning of Murdoch's extensive influence in British media. The acquisition also involved complex negotiations with trade unions and regulatory bodies.

In January 1994, The Times launched its website, becoming one of the early major newspapers to have an online presence. This move signified a commitment to digital transformation and adapting to the growing importance of the internet in media consumption. The website allowed The Times to reach a global audience more efficiently and provided a platform for multimedia journalism.

In June 2004, The Times made the decision to switch from broadsheet format to compact (tabloid) size. This change was part of an effort to appeal to younger readers and commuters who preferred a more convenient and portable newspaper format. It represented a significant shift in newspaper publishing, influencing other publications to consider similar changes.

In July 2010, The Times became the first major UK newspaper to introduce a paywall for its online content. The introduction of the paywall was a strategic decision to generate revenue from digital subscriptions as print circulation declined. The move was controversial and represented a significant shift in the monetization strategy of online journalism.

On February 18, 2016, The Times launched Red Box, a daily political email briefing service aimed at keeping readers informed of the latest political news and analysis. The service quickly became popular for its concise summaries and insights into UK politics, establishing itself as an influential source for political news enthusiasts and professionals.

In April 2020, The Times was recognized for its extensive coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing important information and analysis on the unfolding health crisis. The newspaper focused on providing readers with reliable updates, expert opinions, and public health guidelines, helping the public stay informed during a time of significant global uncertainty.