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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about newspapers and local media.

About newspapers

What is the definition of a newspaper?

There is no single statutory or common law definition of a newspaper. Newspapers are defined in different ways for different purposes.

What is the definition of a regional or local newspaper (UK)?

See also Definitions & Glossary of Terms

"Any publication in written form on newsprint or a similar medium, published in the British Isles (excluding the Irish republic) at regular intervals not exceeding seven days and available regionally rather than nationally (ie, not available throughout all or most of the British Isles). It contains news and information of a general nature, updated regularly, rather than being devoted to a specific interest or topic." The Newspaper Society

What is the difference between a broadsheet, broadside and tabloid?

A broadsheet is a full-size newspaper, sometimes mistakenly called a broadside. A broadside is a a large sheet of paper, generally printed on one side and folded into a smaller size, often used as a direct-mail piece or for door-to-door distribution. A tabloid is a newspaper of less-than-standard size, generally about 1,000 - 2,000 AGATE lines on a page that is 14 inches high and has four or more columns, about 12 inches in width.

I want to set up a newspaper. How do I go about it?

Since newsprint is not a limited resource it is not necessary to obtain a licence to publish a newspaper, magazine or periodical. There are no specialist legal qualifications which publishers, editors or journalists must meet.

As with the start-up of any business you will need to obtain your own specialist advice as to the possible legal issues which may arise. The Law Society and various legal directories e.g. Chambers, give information about solicitors firms which deal with media law.

How would I find a historical newspaper?

Contact the British Newspaper Library or have a look at the list of organisations dealing with historical newspapers.

I am looking for a list of newspapers in a particular area. How can I find them?

You can find them via Search for newspapers by area under the Find a Newspaper/Publisher section of the site.

How do I find a regional newspaper's website?

A list of over 700 newspaper websites can be found in Regional Newspaper Websites under the Find a Newspaper/Publisher section of the site.

How do I get in touch with London editors/political correspondents from the regional press?

Contact Paul Sinker on 020 7632 7424 or e-mail sinkerp@newspapersoc.org.uk.

About the regional press

I need to find out information about the regional press. Where do I look?

See the Facts & Figures section on our site.

I would like to advertise in a large number of regional papers. Which is the best way to do this?

You can find details of all publishers and their titles in the NS database. Alternatively contact Lucy Carabine through e-mail on lucy_carabine@newspapersoc.org.uk or call 020 7632 7445.

Where do I find information about regional press ownership?

See the Publisher's Index in the Find a Newspaper/Publisher section of the site.

What is the regional press industry worth in terms of advertising revenue and/or sales?

See Advertising Expenditure and Circulation in the Facts & Figures section of the site.

About the Newspaper Society

How do I find out about Newspaper Society membership?

Please see the membership section on the website. For further details please contact Lynne Anderson on 020 7632 7421 or e-mail lynne_anderson@newspapersoc.org.uk

What publications are available from the NS?

The Newspaper Society produces various newsletters, bulletins, briefings,reports and guides. See our Publications List.

What events/awards does the NS hold?

Please go to the Events & Awards section for a full list.

What advertising/sponsorship opportunities are available within the Newspaper Society?

We have range of opportunities for sponsorship and advertising. Please visit our sponsorship page for more details.

Journalists

How do I become a journalist/photographer?

Please see the Journalism Training section on our site.

How do I apply for a press card?

There are 17 organisations involved in the UK Press Card Scheme, each issuing to news gatherers in press, TV, radio, etc. See Press Card Scheme for more details.

How can I get a press pass for a royal visit?

You must be a photographer or journalist working for a local or regional newspaper. See the Royal Rota section for further information. 

General

I want to contact national newspapers.

You will need to contact the Newspaper Publishers Association on 020 7632 7400 or the Newspaper Marketing Agency on 020 7887 6112 or visit www.nmauk.co.uk

I need to contact the editor of Production Journal/Headlines.

For any queries regarding these publications please contact the editor Gary Cullum, Cullum Publishing, on 01442 235 065 or e-mail gc@cullumpublishing.co.uk.