The Baptist Times to cease publication at the end of 2011
The Baptist Times, the weekly newspaper reporting on the Baptist church in Britain, is to cease publication of its print and digital editions at the end of the year.
In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the newspaper, Bill Johnston says the paper edition will cease publication at the end of 2011. A special edition in January 2012 will celebrate its history and the contribution which the Paper has made to the life of the Baptist denomination, and the wider Christian world, for over 150 years.
“Due to falling circulation and difficulties of selling advertising space, the company has increasingly had to depend on a subsidy from the Baptist Union of Great Britain, a situation which has existed for a number of years,” said Mr Johnston.
“In July this year the Trustees of the Baptist Union of Great Britain decided that financial support for the paper would cease next spring. The Directors have considered a number of business options for the paper but with profound regret now conclude that it must close.
“The Board also wishes to place on record its profound gratitude for the efforts of The Baptist Times' staff for their hard work and expertise in producing a weekly publication which is greatly appreciated by its readership and widely respected in the Christian publishing world.
“It also wishes to record its gratitude to the loyal subscribers, church agents and others who have year after year purchased and promoted the Paper.”
Jonathan Edwards, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, in response to the news paid this tribute:
“The Baptist Times has occupied a huge place in the life of our Union and its passing will be a matter of sadness to thousands of people. It was not only valued by Baptists in this country but also by many of our ecumenical and international partners, who often tell me of how much they appreciate it.”
“I want to place on record our deep gratitude as a denomination to the editors and staff who have served us with huge ability and devotion, and to The Baptist Times Directors who have supported them.”
Amanda Allchorn, Head of Communications at the Baptist Union of Great Britain, has confirmed that The Baptist Times brand will live on as a new online resource (www.baptisttimes.co.uk) to be launched in the spring of 2012.
This will be run by the Communications Department and the new site will offer news, opinion pieces, features and a downloadable weekly news digest for individuals and churches to print off.
“The core vision of the new The Baptist Times website will be to offer fresh news of interest to our Baptist family on a daily basis,” said Mrs Allchorn.
“We will seek to maximise the use of social media alongside the online service to get discussions and comments going on a range of topics.
“Our prayer is that people in our churches will get excited and inspired about how Baptist people are engaging in mission and ministry across the UK and beyond through this new resource.” Mark Woods, Editor of The Baptist Times, said: “It has been a great privilege to serve as editor of The Baptist Times, and I would like to pay tribute to the talented and dedicated colleagues with whom I have worked over the years.
“However, we have not been immune to the commercial pressures on newspapers in general or to the effect of wider issues in church life.
“We accept our closure with sadness, but appreciate the care given to the decision and the pastoral care shown to the staff.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The Baptist Times started life as The Freeman in 1855 and has been printed weekly for 156 years.
2 . The last regular edition of The Baptist Times will be on 30 December 2011.
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