First News (newspaper)
| Type | Children's weekly newsmagazine |
|---|---|
| Format | Tabloid |
| Owner(s) | First News (UK) Ltd |
| Founded | May 2006 |
| Political alignment | Independent |
| Language | English |
| Headquarters |
 United Kingdom Manchester, UK |
| Circulation | 79,431 |
| Website | firstnews.co.uk |
First News is the UK's only newspaper for young people and the widest-read children's publication in the country with a 2011 readership of over 2 million[1] seven to 14 year olds every week. Published in full colour tabloid format every Friday, and aims to present current events and politics in a child-friendly format, alongside news on entertainment, sport and computer games. The latest ABC (Audit Bureau of Circulations) figure for First News is 79,431 Jan-Jun 2015.
First News was founded by Sarah and Steve Thomson and launched by Editor Nicky Cox MBE in May 2006 at 11 Downing Street, official residence of the UK's Chancellor of the Exchequer, where the then Chancellor Gordon Brown said that the paper would make a "great contribution to education" by making children aware of current events.[2]
First News is now the widest-read publication for children in the UK.
The paper is published by First News (UK) Ltd, an independently owned and financed publishing house established in January 2006. The First News (UK) Ltd management team comprises Nicky Cox MBE, former editorial director of BBC Children's Magazines and investors Steve and Sarah Jane Thomson.
Awards
First News was awarded Niche Market Newspaper of the Year at the 2012 Newspaper Awards, as well as Best National Newspaper of the Year.
First News was given at the award for Best National Newspaper at the Plain English Campaign media awards in November 2011.
First News was presented with the Save the Children award for Outstanding Contribution to Children in 2008, for their work in helping the next generation develop a passion for the world around them, whilst improving literacy and encouraging good reading habits. Nicky Cox collected the award in person from HRH Princess Anne.[4]
In November 2007 First News was awarded a Guinness World Record for launching a special edition "World’s Smallest Newspaper" in celebration of Guinness World Records Day. The tabloid measured just 32 x 22 mm (1.25 x 0.86 in).[3]
References
- ↑ Readership Survey, Opinion Matters, 2011.
- ↑ Terazono, Eriko (2006-05-05). "Morgan makes paper child's play". Financial Times. Retrieved 2006-05-05.
- ↑ Guinness World Records: Smallest newspaper