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The Argus (Brighton)
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Key Information

The Argus is a local newspaper based in Brighton and Hove in East Sussex, England, with editions serving the city of Brighton and Hove and the other parts of both East Sussex and West Sussex. The newspaper covers local news, politics and sport, including the city's largest football club, Brighton & Hove Albion FC.
History
[edit]Founded in 1880, and for many years known as the Evening Argus, the newspaper is owned by Newsquest (since 1999, part of the US Gannett media group) which in 1996 bought The Argus and its sister Westminster Press titles from the provincial papers group's parent, the Pearson Group.[2] The Argus reached a peak circulation of 100,000 in the early 1980s but, like most of its counterparts in the British regional press, has since experienced a considerable decline in sales. In the period December 2010 to June 2011, the paper had an average daily circulation of 24,949[3] but by the period January to June 2013, average daily sales had dropped to 16,622.[4] For the period July to December 2017 average daily circulation had fallen to 10,581.[5]
The Argus was forced to postpone celebrations of its 140th anniversary in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[6] Reporters from the publication appeared in a Channel 4 News feature broadcast in February 2021, looking at how the pandemic impacted Brighton.[7]
The newspaper was highly commended in 2021 at the Society of Editors' Regional Press Awards in the daily newspaper of the year category.[8]
Controversies
[edit]In February 2018 The Argus was found by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) to have breached its Editors' Code of Practice with regard to a story which it had published the previous September. IPSO found that the newspaper had behaved in a discriminatory way in its reporting of a court case by describing the plaintiff as an "amputee" in a headline and referring to his disability in the body of the article, in spite of the fact that the crime of which he was accused was "plainly irrelevant to his physical disability". The committee found the reportage to be "a serious and unjustified breach of the Code" and was "extremely concerned" by the "serious failure in relation to both staff training and editorial oversight of material published by the newspaper." Further, IPSO was "deeply concerned about the newspaper’s handling of the complaint" and found that "the newspaper’s decision to make its offer to remove the material conditional on the complainant agreeing not to pursue his complaint further, was not a suitable or satisfactory response." As remediation, the newspaper was ordered to publish IPSO's findings both on its website and in its print edition.[9][10][11]
In October 2018, Newsquest paid "a substantial sum" in compensation and legal costs to a Shoreham businessman whom The Argus had wrongly claimed was connected with the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing and falsely alleged was an "ISIS sympathiser". The complainant's barrister said that he had been caused "very great distress, anxiety and damage to his reputation". Following the High Court verdict, a Newsquest representative admitted the report was "wholly false" and apologised.[12]
In April 2022, editor Arron Hendy defended his decision to publish a picture of Adolf Hitler on the paper’s front page following criticism by Jewish community leaders. The picture was used to illustrate a story about a person who had used the name ‘Adolf Hitler’ to sign a petition calling for the return of a cycle lane. The Sussex Jewish Representative Council said the use of the image was “crass and offensive” and had caused offence to holocaust survivors.[13]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "The Argus Brighton". Audit Bureau of Circulations (UK). 21 February 2025. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "Gannett: chronology". ketupa.net. Archived from the original on 11 October 2010. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
- ^ Linford, Paul (31 August 2011). "ABC figures: How the regional dailies performed". holdthefrontpage.co.uk. Archived from the original on 28 May 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ "Newspaper Reports". Nsdatabase.co.uk. Archived from the original on 4 August 2004. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
- ^ Linford, Paul (1 March 2018). "JP dailies post circulation rises as ABC figures unveiled". holdthefrontpage.co.uk. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
- ^ Sharman, David (31 March 2020). "Daily delays 140th anniversary celebrations due to coronavirus". holdthefrontpage.co.uk. Archived from the original on 17 September 2021. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
- ^ How coronavirus scarred Brighton - a year after its mini-outbreak (YouTube). Channel 4 News. Archived from the original on 13 December 2021.
- ^ "The Argus honoured at this year's Regional Press Awards". The Argus. 18 September 2021. Archived from the original on 18 September 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
- ^ "18685-17 Evans v The Argus (Brighton)". IPSO. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
- ^ Hendy, Arron (9 February 2018). "IPSO upholds discrimination complaint against Argus report on paedophile's conviction after magistrates' court hearing". The Argus. Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
- ^ "Picture clarification". the Argus. 2 March 2018. Archived from the original on 2 March 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2018.
- ^ "Manchester Arena attack: Newspaper payout over "wholly false" claim". BBC News. 24 October 2018. Archived from the original on 12 November 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2018.
- ^ Sharman, David. "Sussex Jewish Rep Council criticises Brighton Argus 'Hitler' splash - Journalism News from HoldtheFrontPage". HoldtheFrontPage. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
External links
[edit]The Argus (Brighton)
View on GrokipediaOverview
Founding and Purpose
The Brighton Argus was first published on 30 March 1880 as a daily newspaper priced at one halfpenny, establishing it as an accessible source of news in the seaside town.[2][9] Launched during the height of campaigning for the 1880 United Kingdom general election, the paper positioned itself as a timely entrant into Brighton's competitive newspaper market, which already included established titles like the Brighton Herald and Brighton Gazette.[2][9] Its founding purpose centered on providing comprehensive coverage of local Brighton affairs alongside national politics and international events, with an initial emphasis on the parliamentary contest's "momentous character."[2] The inaugural issue described the publication as "born of the excitement of the election" and styled it as the "New Candidate," appealing directly to politically engaged readers while signaling an intent to scrutinize events vigilantly.[2] The name "Argus," drawn from the mythological giant with a hundred eyes, underscored this mission of broad, watchful observation rather than partisan advocacy, though the launch timing reflected an opportunistic alignment with electoral fervor.[2] No specific founders are documented in primary accounts of the launch, but the paper emerged as an independent daily amid Brighton's growing Victorian press landscape, filling a niche for affordable, election-oriented reporting that extended beyond transient campaign coverage into routine journalistic output.[2][9] This foundational approach prioritized empirical event reporting over explicit ideological commitments, setting a precedent for the title's evolution into a regional staple for Sussex news.[2]Current Format and Reach
The Argus continues to publish a daily print edition in tabloid format, focusing on local news, politics, sports, and events in Brighton, Hove, and surrounding Sussex areas. However, print circulation has contracted markedly amid industry-wide shifts to digital media. The latest ABC-certified figures report an average of 4,425 copies per issue for the July to December 2024 period, reflecting a 9.49% year-on-year decline from 4,889 in the prior equivalent timeframe.[5][10] A digital replica edition supplements the print version, available exclusively to subscribers through web browsers or a dedicated app, allowing page-by-page replication of the physical newspaper.[11] The primary digital outlet is the website theargus.co.uk, which hosts breaking news, archived articles, sports updates (with emphasis on Brighton & Hove Albion FC), features, and community guides; it attracts substantial traffic as Newsquest's leading site, logging 8.9 million article page views in August 2024 alone.[12] Newsquest's broader digital portfolio, including The Argus, achieved 208 million article page views across titles in August 2025, underscoring a pivot toward online readership amid print erosion.[13]Historical Development
Early Years (1880–1900)
The Brighton Argus was first published on 30 March 1880 as an evening newspaper priced at one halfpenny, making it one of the earliest such affordable dailies in the region.[2][14] Founded by newspaper proprietor Henry John Infield (1846–1921), it operated from premises at 130 North Street, equipped with a pigeon loft for rapid news dispatch from across Sussex.[15][16] The launch coincided with the 1880 UK parliamentary election campaign, positioning the paper as a "new candidate" named after the mythological Argus with its hundred eyes, symbolizing vigilant coverage of local, national, and international affairs, including election matters and sensational stories such as a New York divorce case involving suicide.[2] By June 1880, the Argus had incorporated the Brighton Daily News, expanding its scope amid competition in Brighton's periodical press.[15] In 1888, Infield formalized operations by incorporating the Southern Publishing Company, which continued publishing the Sussex Daily News alongside the Argus.[15][17] This period saw the paper establish itself as a key daily voice in Sussex, relying on innovative methods like pigeon messengers for timely regional reporting.[14] Ownership transitioned within the Infield family by 1891, with Infield's four sons and two daughters assuming roles.[15] On 7 November 1889, an East Sussex edition was introduced, printed in Hastings to broaden circulation.[15] The late 1890s marked further evolution: on 1 January 1897, it was renamed the Evening Argus to emphasize its afternoon focus, and on 2 September 1897, a short-lived Morning Argus edition launched, operating until 1926 while printing remained at the North Street site despite acquisitions of new facilities on Robert Street.[15][14] These changes solidified the Argus as Sussex's primary daily by 1900, adapting to growing demand for timely local news.[15]20th Century Evolution
Throughout the first half of the 20th century, the Evening Argus expanded its operations by acquiring printing works on Robert Street in Brighton under the ownership of Southern Publishing.[14] Circulation dipped to approximately 19,000 copies in the early 1940s amid wartime constraints, reflecting broader disruptions in print media during World War II, though the paper maintained daily publication and covered local impacts of the conflict, including air raids and evacuations.[15] Post-war recovery drove significant growth, with circulation reaching 100,000 by October 1964, supported by increased advertising and local news focus.[15] In 1931, the paper introduced its first colour image, marking an early adoption of colour printing technology.[14] Mergers bolstered content: in 1938, it absorbed the Brighton & Hove Gazette, enhancing coverage of regional affairs.[14] Ownership shifted in 1965 when Westminster Press acquired a 70% stake, with E.I. Willis retaining the chairmanship until his retirement, after which full control transferred.[15] Technological modernization accelerated in the 1970s: hot metal printing was replaced in 1972, and the paper adopted a tabloid format in 1977, coinciding with its first photo-set front page on October 28 of that year.[15] These changes improved production efficiency and visual appeal, contributing to a circulation peak of 117,000 in the 1980s.[14] Further mergers, such as with the Brighton and Hove Leader in 1985, consolidated its position as Sussex's primary daily.[14] By 1987, the paper transitioned to fully electronic phototypesetting, and in 1990, it opened a £20 million printing plant at Hollingbury's Enterprise Industrial Estate, vacating central Brighton offices in 1993 for a new full-colour press.[14][15] In 1976, Argus House was sold, with operations relocating to Robert Street.[15] These developments reflected adaptation to competitive pressures and rising production costs in regional journalism.21st Century Shifts
In the early 2000s, The Argus faced accelerating print circulation declines amid industry-wide shifts toward digital media consumption. Average daily sales, which stood at approximately 24,949 for the period December 2010 to June 2011, continued to erode, reaching 10,581 by July to December 2017 and further dropping to 4,810 in January to June 2024.[18][19][20] These reductions prompted operational efficiencies, including the cessation of in-house printing in June 2012, with production outsourced to reduce costs, alongside a relocation from the Hollingbury trading estate to central Brighton offices in November 2016.[4][21] Editorial initiatives sought to stem the print losses through redesign and content refresh. In April 2015, incoming editor Gary Shipton oversaw a relaunch featuring a new layout and expanded local features to address a circulation slump exceeding 50% over the prior six years.[22] Subsequent leadership changes, including the departure of editor Mike Gilson in December 2016 after under two years and further restructuring in 2019, reflected ongoing adaptations under parent company Newsquest.[23][24] Parallel to print challenges, The Argus pivoted toward digital expansion. By August 2018, official ABC data positioned it as the top-performing UK regional daily in circulation metrics, buoyed by a sharp rise in online readership that made it Newsquest's strongest title overall.[6][25] This momentum continued with the May 2024 rollout of paid digital subscriptions, providing unlimited article access, ad reductions, and perks like brand discounts to diversify revenue streams.[26]Ownership and Operations
Ownership History
The Argus was established on March 30, 1880, by the Southern Publishing Company, which had been founded in 1868 by Henry John Infield as a vehicle for local journalism in Brighton.[15][14] Infield, who also launched the Sussex Daily News in 1888 and merged it into The Argus, maintained family control through subsequent decades, with the Infield sons involved by 1891 and later generations leading operations.[15] Ownership remained with the Infield family into the mid-20th century, exemplified by Jonathan Infield serving as chairman and managing director from 1921 until his death in 1942, followed by nephew Edward Infield Willis assuming those roles in 1942.[15] In 1965, Westminster Press acquired a 70% stake while Willis retained his chairmanship; full control transitioned to Westminster Press upon Willis's retirement, marking the end of independent local ownership.[15] In 1996, Newsquest purchased The Argus along with other Westminster Press titles, integrating it into a larger regional media portfolio.[1] Newsquest itself was acquired by the American media conglomerate Gannett in 1999 for approximately £904 million, establishing Gannett as the ultimate parent company.[14][27] Under this structure, The Argus continues to operate as part of Newsquest Media Group, a Gannett subsidiary focused on UK local titles.[8]Editorial Leadership
The editorial leadership of The Argus is currently under Arron Hendy, who has served as editor since February 2017.[28] Hendy, previously deputy editor, assumed the role amid rapid turnover, overseeing content for the Brighton and Hove-focused daily under Newsquest ownership.[29] In April 2024, Hendy engaged subscribers by answering questions on editorial priorities, emphasizing local coverage amid digital shifts.[30] Preceding Hendy were brief and transitional editorships. Lucy Pearce held the position for mere weeks in early 2017 before resigning, marking her as the first woman editor in the paper's history but highlighting instability during office relocations and staff adjustments.[31] Mike Gilson preceded her, editing from February 2015 to December 2016, after moving from the Belfast Telegraph; his departure followed reported resource constraints under Newsquest, with Gilson later critiquing declines in local journalism depth.[32][23]| Editor | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Arron Hendy | 2017–present |
| Lucy Pearce | Early 2017 (weeks) |
| Mike Gilson | 2015–2016 |
| Michael Beard | c. 2005–2014 |