Northern Ireland's media landscape is diverse, spanning print newspapers, radio, television, and digital platforms. The region's outlets have a significant influence on shaping public opinion and reporting the news.
Some of the better-known examples include the Belfast Telegraph, Irish News, News Letter, BBC Northern Ireland, UTV, and digital platforms like Slugger O'Toole.
Although circulation has declined with the rise of digital platforms, print journalism remains central to Northern Ireland's news culture. The most prominent newspapers include Belfast Telegraph. Founded in 1870, it is one of Northern Ireland's leading daily newspapers, known for its balanced reporting and strong coverage of politics, business, and regional affairs. Irish News is a nationalist-leaning daily, influential in shaping opinion among Catholic and nationalist communities. Established in 1737, News Letter is one of the world's oldest English-language newspapers, traditionally unionist in outlook. Derry Journal is a regional paper with deep roots in Londonderry, offering local and national coverage. Several local weeklies, such as Andersonstown News and Fermanagh Herald, provide community-focused reporting. These outlets not only report news but also publish editorials and opinion columns that reflect Northern Ireland's political and cultural divisions.
Radio remains a trusted medium for news and debate, with several key players. BBC Radio Ulster is the flagship station, offering comprehensive news, current affairs, and talk shows. Its Talkback programme is particularly influential in public discourse. BBC Radio Foyle, based in Derry, provides regional news and analysis. Downtown Radio is a commercial station with news bulletins alongside music programming. Q Radio Network includes regional stations with local news coverage. Radio's immediacy makes it vital during breaking news events, and its talk shows often serve as platforms for political debate.
Television news in Northern Ireland is dominated by two broadcasters. BBC Northern Ireland produces BBC Newsline, a nightly news programme with strong investigative journalism. UTV (Ulster Television) is a commercial broadcaster airing UTV Live, which provides regional news and current affairs. Both channels balance local reporting with coverage of the wider United Kingdom and international events, and their editorial choices often reflect Northern Ireland's unique political context.
Digital platforms have grown rapidly in Northern Ireland, offering alternative voices and interactive engagement. Slugger O'Toole is a widely read political blog that provides analysis, commentary, and debate on Northern Irish politics. Independent News & Media digital outlets include online versions of the Belfast Telegraph and Irish News, which reach global audiences. Smaller independent publishers and blogs contribute diverse perspectives, often challenging mainstream narratives. Social media also plays a role, often amplifying both professional journalism and grassroots commentary.
Northern Ireland's media ecosystem reflects its complex political and cultural landscape. Print newspapers like the Belfast Telegraph, Irish News, and News Letter remain influential, while radio programmes such as Talkback shape public debate. Television broadcasters provide trusted regional news, and digital platforms like Slugger O'Toole foster vibrant political discussion.
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BAM is a Belfast and Northern Ireland online news and lifestyle magazine for local news, community stories, business, arts, entertainment, lifestyle, and events. Its main content areas are "Latest," "Community," "Entertainment," "Lifestyle," "Health," "Travel," "Business," "Reviews," and "Meet the Artist/Blogger/Entrepreneur." The site includes options to contact the team to submit articles or be featured. Details are given on the website's "Contact" or "Be Featured" pages for details.
https://bamni.co.uk/
The British Broadcasting Company's website serves local and entertainment news focusing on Northern Ireland. Included are regional sports as well as the broader areas of sports news of interest for those in Northern Ireland, such as sports news involving England, Scotland, and Wales. Business reports, news, and articles featuring Northern Irish businesses, technology, science, health, culture, and the arts. Other resources include videos and live-streaming content.
https://www.bbc.com/northernireland
BMG is a Northern Ireland local news publisher that operates several regional newspapers and digital titles serving Belfast and the surrounding areas. Its key publications include Andersontown News, North Belfast News, and South Belfast News, which are hosted on the Group's website and form the core of its local news coverage, offering local news, sports, opinion, family notices, e-papers, and podcasts relevant to Belfast communities. Subscription and advertising opportunities are outlined.
https://belfastmedia.com/
Founded in 1870, the Belfast Telegraph is a daily newspaper published in Belfast, Northern Ireland, by Mediahuis Ireland, which also publishes the Irish Independent, the Sunday Independent, and other newspapers and magazines in Ireland. Reflecting its unionist tradition, the Telegraph has been favoured by the Protestant population. Owned by Independent News and Media, it is the company's only print title outside of the Republic of Ireland. Subscription options are stated.
https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/
First published in 1999, the magazine serves the Northern Ireland marketplace, particularly readers in senior management positions across the business spectrum. However, the online publication is written to appeal to a broad business audience. Previous editions of the publication are archived and available here in digital format, along with advertising and subscription data. Included are comprehensive coverage, expert insights, podcasts, a blog, and an email address.
https://www.businesseye.co.uk/
A regional news website covering Derry and County Derry with local breaking news, sports coverage, politics, weather reports and forecasts, photographs, videos, and community features. Subscription options include a low weekly rate or a pay-per-article model to access premium content and archives. The website invites readers to send stories or photos through its contact channels. Iconic Media publishes the website and adheres to the Press Council of Ireland Code of Practice.
https://www.derrynow.com/
Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, The Irish News is Northern Ireland's largest-selling morning newspaper, available throughout Ireland. It is broadly nationalist in its viewpoint, although it also features unionist columnists. Founded as a broadsheet in 1891, it is the only independently owned daily newspaper based in Northern Ireland. It merged with the Belfast Morning News in 1892, and its full title is "The Irish News and Belfast Morning News." Subscription options are stated.
https://www.irishnews.com/
NWNG is an independently owned Irish multimedia company founded in 1901, which publishes local print and digital titles and provides marketing, advertising, design, web, and event services to businesses. Headquartered in Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, its core business is based around regional newspapers and online news brands, although it is also involved in other services, such as marketing and advertising, creative services, digital services, event management, and print marketing.
https://northwestnewsgroup.com/
Published by Iconic Media Group, a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation, Northern Ireland World is an online news site covering local and regional news, sports, lifestyle, opinion, and entertainment for Northern Ireland. It publishes breaking news stories, features, video, and recommended shopping and content guides. Its main sections include News, Football/Sport, What's On, Lifestyle, Retro, Opinion, and Video. Stories may be submitted for local reporting.
https://www.northernirelandworld.com/
Established in 1839, Northern Standard is a regional newspaper circulating in counties Monaghan, Cavan, Armagh, Louth, and Fermanagh. Offering an e-paper and a newspaper archive on its site, the newspaper provides local news, sports (notably GAA), home news, weather, archives, and opinion pieces. Separate contact details are provided for its editor, news, local bureaus, sports, advertising, and ePaper. Advertising opportunities and local services are available.
https://northernstandard.ie/
