Express & Star: A History of the Black Country's Leading Newspaper
The Express & Star stands as a cornerstone of regional journalism in the English Midlands. From its origins as a clash between rival political viewpoints in the late 19th century to its current status as a digital-era publication, the paper has mirrored the industrial and social evolution of the Black Country.
The Rivalry and Foundation
The story begins in Wolverhampton during the 1870s and 1880s. The Evening Express was established in 1874 as a conservative voice. In 1880, a liberal alternative emerged in the form of the Evening Star. This ideological rivalry set the stage for a period of rapid growth and consolidation.
A pivotal shift occurred in 1882 when Andrew Carnegie, a wealthy Scottish-American philanthropist, purchased the Star. Carnegie was prompted to invest by Thomas Graham, a fellow Dunfermline native and a prominent Wolverhampton councillor. With Carnegie's financial backing and Graham's organizational expertise, the publication flourished.
Under the leadership of editor Andrew Meikle—another native of Dunfermline—the Star eventually absorbed its rival, the Express, within two years. By 1889, the merged entity officially adopted the name Express & Star.
Expansion and the Midland News Association
In 1902, Andrew Carnegie severed his ties with the newspaper and its parent company, the Midland News Association. This left Thomas Graham in full control until his passing in 1909. Following his death, Graham's descendants continued to lead the company, overseeing a steady expansion of the paper's reach.
The publication's influence grew beyond Wolverhampton to encompass the entire Black Country. During this era of growth, the company expanded its footprint by opening an office in Birmingham, though this location was closed in later years.
Adapting to the Digital Age
Like much of the global print industry, the 21st century brought significant challenges. A decline in circulation and advertising revenue led to a series of cost-cutting measures. In April 2006, approximately 50 jobs were lost through a voluntary redundancy scheme, with further cuts following in January 2007.
The physical infrastructure of the paper also changed. Printing plants in West Bromwich, Wolverhampton, and Ketley, Telford, were closed in 2009, 2011, and 2021, respectively. Today, the Express & Star is printed by Newsquest at their Deeside facility.
The transition to digital news saw several experiments. In April 2011, the paper launched Express & Star 24, a paywall system offering selected content—such as traffic updates, football analysis, and photo galleries—for £2.34 per week. This package included the print edition and smartphone access, but the paywall was scrapped after nine months. In 2021, a new digital edition was launched, optimizing news and analysis for tablets and mobile devices.
The most recent major transition occurred in September 2023, when the family-owned Claverley Group sold the newspaper to National World.
Key Facts
- Founded: Roots trace back to the Evening Express (1874) and Evening Star (1880).
- Current Name Adopted: 1889.
- Key Early Figures: Andrew Carnegie (philanthropist), Thomas Graham (organizer), and Andrew Meikle (editor).
- Parent Company History: Formerly owned by the Claverley Group; acquired by National World in September 2023.
- Printing: Currently handled by Newsquest in Deeside.
Summary of Historical Milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1874 | Foundation of the conservative Evening Express. |
| 1880 | Foundation of the liberal Evening Star. |
| 1882 | Andrew Carnegie purchases the Evening Star. |
| 1889 | The merged paper becomes the Express & Star. |
| 1902 | Carnegie exits the business; Thomas Graham takes full control. |
| 2011 | Launch and subsequent removal of the "Express & Star 24" paywall. |
| 2023 | Acquisition by National World from the Claverley Group. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Express & Star get its name?
The name is a combination of two rival Wolverhampton newspapers: the conservative Evening Express (founded 1874) and the liberal Evening Star (founded 1880). After the Star took over the Express, the combined publication adopted the name Express & Star in 1889.
Who was Andrew Carnegie's role in the newspaper?
Andrew Carnegie was a wealthy Scottish-American philanthropist who purchased the Evening Star in 1882. His financial investment, paired with Thomas Graham's organizational skills, allowed the paper to grow and eventually acquire its competitor.
Where is the Express & Star printed today?
Following the closure of its own printing plants in West Bromwich (2009), Wolverhampton (2011), and Ketley (2021), the newspaper is now printed by Newsquest at their Deeside office.
Who currently owns the Express & Star?
As of September 2023, the newspaper is owned by National World, having been sold by the family-owned Claverley Group.
Did the Express & Star ever have a subscription fee for online content?
Yes. In April 2011, the paper introduced "Express & Star 24," which charged £2.34 a week for a package including the print newspaper and access to specific online content. However, this paywall was removed after nine months.