THE Banbridge Chronicle newspaper has been sold into new ownership for the second time in just over a year.
The title been acquired by National World Plc, which is led by industry veteran David Montgomery and whose extensive stable of papers includes the Belfast News Letter.
The Banbridge Chronicle, first published in 1870, was owned by Edward Hodgett Ltd before being saved from closure by Bann Media Ltd in 2022.
But now Bann Media has sold it on to National World, which last month stepped in to buy The Newry Reporter - also previously owned by the Hodgett family - from closure.
Peter Laidlaw, managing director of Bann Media, said that given the ongoing consolidation within the regional press, he felt that the best interests of the staff, the title, and the community were better served by being included in a larger progressive company.
He said: "As part of the overall agreement with National World, Medquest Group Ltd, which owns weekly newspapers in South West Scotland, will acquire the Galloway Gazette. This fits in very well with the DNG Media group of titles which we already own."
He also paid tribute to what he called a professional editorial staff at the Chronicle and wished them well for the future.
National World’s executive chairman David Montgomery said: “I first read the Chronicle as a schoolboy when visiting my uncle’s farm near Banbridge, so I know how valued it has always been in the community.
"National World will protect the Chronicle’s editorial heritage and independence and will continue to promote Banbridge, its families, businesses and the cultural life of this beautiful part of Co. Down.”
As well as the News Letter, National World has more than 20 weekly titles across the north including the Ulster Star, Portadown Times, Lurgan Mail, Mid-Ulster Mail and Derry Journal.
