THE Dundee daily newspaper, The Courier, is to celebrate its 50,000th edition on Monday.
The DC Thomson-owned title was launched, say the publishers, on September 20 1816, initially as The Dundee Weekly Courier and Forfarshire Agricultural and Commercial Advertiser, a Friday paper that was often a single sheet of two pages.
For nearly 50 years, it was published weekly or bi-weekly but in 1861 it became one of Britain’s first daily newspapers.
In a DC Thomson media release, historian, Norman Watson, is quoted, as saying: “It was in 1866 that the newspaper celebrated its 5,000th issue. In 1884, David Couper Thomson (DC Thomson) was made a partner with responsibility for the publishing business.
“Another transformative landmark came in January 2012 when the paper switched to a smaller compact format – taking it back to the size printed by Thomas Colville in 1816.”
The paper’s editor, Richard Neville, is also quoted, this time saying: “We are proud to boast that 50,000 issues on, The Courier is still bringing local and national news to the people of Dundee, Fife, Clackmannanshire, Stirlingshire, Perthshire, Angus and the Mearns.
“Of course, the publication has changed somewhat since 1816, not least by shortening its name. The Courier has moved with the times, ensuring that readers receive news when and how they want to. Our printed title is still very much at the heart of The Courier operation but is supported by our popular website and growing social media channels.”
Pictured: From The Courier’s 100th birthday edition (September 20 1916).
