The media landscape in Trinidad and Tobago has lost a pioneering voice with the closure of Newsday newspaper after 32 years of operation. Founded in 1993 by groundbreaking editor Therese Mills, who shattered glass ceilings as the first female editor-in-chief of a national daily, Newsday established itself as a fearless publication that challenged conventional wisdom.
Under Mills’ leadership alongside news editor John Babb, Newsday assembled a team of distinguished journalists who defied expectations that the paper would not survive its first year. The publication quickly evolved into the market leader within five years, earning the nickname ‘The People’s Paper’ for its daring coverage of crime, politics, and international affairs while maintaining deep connections within local communities.
Newsday’s success was built on the dedication of both visible and unsung heroes—from journalists and photographers to press-room operators, advertising clerks, distributors, and support staff who worked tirelessly through natural disasters, states of emergency, and the recent pandemic. The newspaper notably defended press freedom in 2012 when police searched its Port of Spain newsroom and a journalist’s home following a report on the Integrity Commission.
Unlike its competitors, Newsday maintained complete editorial independence without the financial safety net of regional media conglomerates. This autonomy ultimately proved challenging in the digital era, where changing reader habits and declining advertising revenue created insurmountable financial pressures. Despite adapting its operations, the newspaper could not overcome these market forces.
The closure represents a heartbreaking conclusion for staff members, particularly those who dedicated all 32 years to the publication. The final edition serves as both a tribute to the pioneers who built Newsday and a heartfelt thank you to the readers who welcomed the paper into their homes for over three decades.