Today Newspaper: The Tabloid That Revolutionized UK Printing
Launched on Tuesday, 4 March 1986, Today entered the British media landscape as a bold challenger to the established press. Inspired by the American publication USA Today, it debuted with a striking front-page headline: "Second Spy Inside GCHQ". While it eventually ceased publication in the mid-1990s, its legacy lies in how it fundamentally altered the technical production of national newspapers in the United Kingdom.
Key Facts
- Launch Date: 4 March 1986
- Founder: Eddy Shah
- Innovation: Pioneered computer photo-typesetting and full-colour offset printing in the UK.
- Price at Launch: 18p (approximately 54p in 2025).
- Closure Date: 17 November 1995
- Final Owner: News International (Rupert Murdoch)
Technological Innovation and Market Position
Positioned as a middle-market tabloid, Today was designed to compete directly with long-standing titles like the Daily Mail and Daily Express. At a time when most national newspapers relied on Linotype machines (mechanical typesetting systems) and letterpress printing—which limited photographs to black and white—Today introduced a digital revolution.
The publication pioneered computer photo-typesetting and full-colour offset printing. Although the initial colour quality was crude due to a lack of colour proofing facilities—meaning the editors only saw the final colours once the product was printed—the impact was seismic. This shift forced all other UK national newspapers to abandon traditional methods in favor of electronic production and colour printing.
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Ownership and Editorial Leadership
The newspaper was founded by regional newspaper entrepreneur Eddy Shah. However, ownership shifted quickly; within four months of launch, the conglomerate Lonrho, led by Tiny Rowland, acquired the title. Shah later attempted to launch another national tabloid, The Post, in 1988, though it proved unsuccessful.
The editorial team featured several notable figures. Jane Reed, who had previously transformed Woman's Own in the 1970s, served as managing editor for features. Other key roles included Alastair Campbell as political editor and Fiona Millar as news editor. The newsroom operated under a distinct motto: "propa truth, not propaganda".
Expansion and Transition
In an attempt to broaden its reach, a Sunday edition, Sunday Today, was launched. However, the Sunday title struggled with stability, cycling through three editors in less than a year, and was closed in early 1987 to save costs. The daily paper also briefly sponsored the English Football League for the 1986–87 season before withdrawing.
In 1987, the newspaper was sold to Rupert Murdoch's News International. Originally based at 70 Vauxhall Bridge Road in Pimlico, London, the operation eventually moved to Wapping.
The Final Edition
On 17 November 1995, Today ceased publication, marking the first time a long-running national newspaper title had closed since the Daily Sketch in 1971. The final edition carried the poignant headline, "Goodbye, it's been great to know you", with an editorial citing the "granite and unforgiving face of the balance sheet" as the reason for its silence.
At the time of closure, Richard Stott served as editor. The final staff included a diverse group of journalists: Peter Prendergast (city editor), Anne Robinson (columnist), Barry Wigmore (US editor), Olga Craig, Chris Hutchins, David McMaster (managing editor), and MP Tony Banks, who served as the football correspondent.
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Summary of Today Newspaper History
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Eddy Shah |
| Key Technical Firsts | Computer photo-typesetting, Full-colour offset printing |
| Major Owners | Eddy Shah → Lonrho → News International |
| Notable Staff | Alastair Campbell, Fiona Millar, Anne Robinson, Tony Banks |
| Closing Date | 17 November 1995 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Today newspaper technologically significant?
It was the first UK national newspaper to use computer photo-typesetting and full-colour offset printing, ending the industry's reliance on Linotype machines and black-and-white photography.
Who founded the newspaper and who eventually owned it?
The paper was launched by Eddy Shah. It was later bought by Tiny Rowland's Lonrho and eventually sold to Rupert Murdoch's News International in 1987.
Why was Sunday Today closed?
The Sunday edition was closed in early 1987 as a cost-saving measure after experiencing instability, including having three different editors in less than a year.
What was the reason given for the newspaper's closure in 1995?
The final editorial stated that the paper was forced into silence by the "granite and unforgiving face of the balance sheet," indicating financial reasons for the closure.
Who were some of the prominent journalists associated with Today?
Notable figures included political editor Alastair Campbell, news editor Fiona Millar, columnist Anne Robinson, and football correspondent Tony Banks (an MP).