The Banbridge Chronicle is the oldest and longest serving newspaper in the district. The first issue of the Banbridge Chronicle and Downshire Standard appeared on October 29, 1870 and comprised 28 closely printed columns of “foreign, domestic and local intelligence.” Its founder, first editor and publisher was John Edmund Emerson who occupied the editorial chair for some 42 years until his death in May, 1912.

In his obituary it was stated, “During the last 40 years the deceased gentleman played a prominent part in the social, political and civic life of Banbridge and neighbourhood.

“As editor he occupied a position and wielded an influence denied to the ordinary citizen. That influence was used wisely and well for the best interests of the community.”

Born in Downpatrick in 1846 John Edmund Emerson trained as a journalist with the Down Recorder. He subsequently joined the Belfast Northern Whig and for 35 years was its correspondent. He was later engaged in an editorial capacity on the Newry Reporter. Mr Emerson was a constant advocate of all that was progressive in civic life and fully supported anything that was for the well-being of Banbridge and the town’s outlying district. His obituary also read, “This paper he conducted with great wisdom and discretion.

“Whilst as a journalist he believed in publicity, all incidents of a painful nature were recorded with a sympathetic pen.”

He was succeeded as editor by his third son, Arthur Waldo Emerson who greatly developed the business. The second editor installed new plant and, had he so desired, could have reached the highest peak in the newspaper world. His ambition, however, did not lie in that direction. His roots were deep in his native soil. It was stated that Arthur Waldo Emerson loved Banbridge and its people and was always ready to espouse any good cause.

He was educated at Banbridge Academy and Dundalk Royal School. The death of his father in 1912 placed heavy responsibilities on him but, it was recorded, he was admirably equipped for the task and as well as carrying on the business most successfully he developed it considerably. After his death in 1951, W. & S. Magowan Ltd., of Belfast, Newry, Dundalk and Dublin became the new proprietors and remained in possession until 1979.

The Chronicle was then taken over by the well known Hodgett family in Newry who had been associated with publishing in South Down as heads of the Newry Reporter printing works. Since the death of Arthur Waldo Emerson, the Chronicle has had six editors: The late John Reid Bambrick; W. Hal Armstrong; Hugh J. McClory: Andrew Doloughan, who edited the paper for more than 22 years; Stephen Grimason and incumbent editor, Bryan Hooks.

Banbridge Chronicle is a verified circulation weekly newspaper, audited by the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC), based in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, providing local and Banbridge province news.

Banbridge Chronicle Press Ltd.,
14 Bridge Street, Banbridge,
County Down, BT32 3JS

Telephone: 028 4066 2322

Editorial: 028 4062 1991

Fax: 028 4062 4397

Website: www.banbridgechronicle.com

Editor
Bryan Hooks - Email: editor@banbridgechronicle.com

Journalists
Alison Wright - Email: alison@banbridgechronicle.com
Francois Vincent - Email: francois@banbridgechronicle.com
Joanne Knox - Email: joanne@banbridgechronicle.com
Niall McCoy - Email: niall@banbridgechronicle.com

Advertising
David Hodgett
Danielle Burns
Barry Rooney
Email: advertising@banbridgechronicle.com

Photography
Richard Hodgett - Email: photography@banbridgechronicle.com

AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATIONS (ABC) - VERIFIED CIRCULATION WEEKLY NEWSPAPER