An Established Brand
With a successful track record of printing and publishing over 100 years, the Spectator and Chronicle group has firmly established itself as one of Northern Ireland´s leading local newspaper groups. It provides for the needs of its readers, the local community, local businesses and advertisers.
The companies have a long, distinguished history with the Newtownards Chronicle and Spectator Newpapers being established in 1874 and 1904 respectively.
"The regional or local weekly newspaper serves a unique purpose and has a unique relationship with its audience"
With offices in Newtownards and Bangor, and a purpose-built production facility at Balloo Industrial Estate, the group prides itself in being a key part of the community in which it serves.
The group is a family-based business and an integral part of the local community. It offers in-depth coverage of news, views, social issues and sports.
The Newtownards Chronicle
The title is the oldest paper in the group, established in 1874, and is the only paid for weekly title in this strongly agri-tourist driven area.
The circulation area extends from Dundonald in the north, through Comber, Newtownards and the length and breadth of the Ards peninsula in the south.
All these areas, especially the market town of Newtownards, have experienced rapid growth since the late 1990s.
The County Down Spectator
Established in 1904 the paper is the only paid for weekly title in the vibrant North Down area.
The circulation area extends from Holywood down through the affluent ‘Gold Coast’ of Helens Bay and Crawfordsburn to Bangor, Groomsport and Donaghadee. Over the years this part of Northern Ireland has attracted affluent and successful residents, making up a predominantly ABCI population, above the Northern Ireland average.
This area is also a large tourism ‘hot spot’ with Bangor alone attracting over 136,000 tourists, and its 12 mile proximity to Belfast has made it a principal location for investment and enterprise.
The Mourne Observer
Originally established in 1949, the Mourne Observer was acquired by Spectator Newspapers in late 2013.
With its main offices situated under the shadow of the magnificent Mournes in Newcastle, the Mourne Observer now has the largest circulation of County Down-based newspaper, covering all of South, West and East Down.