Leicester Mercury

The paper was founded by James Thompson, already proprietor of the Leicester Chronicle which he had merged with the Leicestershire Mercury ten years earlier.{{cite DNB|wstitle=Thompson, James |last=Fletcher|first=William George Dimock|volume=56}} The Leicester Daily Mercury was an evening paper, the first to be published in Leicester, and provided support to the Liberal Party in the general election.{{Cite ODNB|id=27267|title=Thompson, James}} The first issue was published on 31 January 1874 from the paper's offices at 3 St Martin's, consisting of four pages of five columns each. The paper had a staff of 25 and a circulation of 5,000.{{cite news|title=140 Years of the Leicester Mercury: 1874 – 1884: A Liberal and campaigning paper became an instant hit|url=http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/140-Years-Leicester-Mercury-1874-1884-Liberal/story-20522182-detail/story.html|work=Leicester Mercury|date=31 January 2014|access-date=9 July 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710220333/http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/140-Years-Leicester-Mercury-1874-1884-Liberal/story-20522182-detail/story.html|archive-date=10 July 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite book|last1=England|first1=Steve|title=Magnificent Mercury: history of a regional newspaper : the first 125 years of the Leicester Mercury|date=1999|publisher=Kairos Press|location=Newtown Linford|isbn=1871344212|url=http://www.kairos-press.co.uk/pdf/mercury.pdf}}

The Leicester Mercury has experienced declining circulation, similar to other regional British newspapers. The paper had an average circulation of 69,069 per day in the first half of 2008, down from 73,634 per day the previous year.{{cite news|last1=Luft|first1=Nick|title=Leicester Mercury editor Nick Carter to leave after 15 years in charge|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jan/19/editor-nick-carter-leaves-leicester-mercury|work=The Guardian|date=19 January 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/node/36951|title=Regional ABCs: Part-free strategy hits MEN sales|date=1 March 2007|work=Press Gazette|access-date=7 February 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710053758/http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/node/36951|archive-date=10 July 2015}} This represented a 5.7% year-on-year decline and a 47% drop compared to the 139,357 copies sold in the equivalent period for 1989.{{cite web|title=Report on The Bristol Evening Post PLC|url=http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/rep_pub/reports/1990/fulltext/274c3.pdf|publisher=Competition Commission|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030727113607/http://www.competition-commission.org.uk/rep_pub/reports/1990/fulltext/274c3.pdf|url-status=usurped|archive-date=27 July 2003}}

The newspaper is the sixth largest-selling regional title in England. In 2001, the newspaper received the Regional Newspaper of the Year award after a redesign and relaunch. In 2006, the paper discontinued its localised weekday editions for Loughborough, Hinckley, North West Leicestershire, Melton Mowbray and Market Harborough, replacing them with two general editions covering east and west Leicestershire. The paper maintained two daily editions for Leicester city. The Mercury retained reporting staff in each market town while reducing editorial staff in other areas through non-replacement of departing employees. The company discontinued its Sports Mercury edition due to declining readership and ABC rule changes that no longer allowed the paper to include the sport paper's sales within the main daily editions' circulation figures.{{cite web|url=http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2007/news/change-in-lifestyles-gives-mercury-sports-edition-the-red-card/|title=Change in lifestyles gives Mercury sports edition the red card|date=23 May 2005|website=Hold the front page|access-date=7 February 2009}} The paper subsequently relaunched its Sporting Blue sports newspaper with tête-bêche binding to cover Leicester City and Leicester Tigers.{{cite web|url=http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2007/news/two-front-pages-for-relaunched-saturday-sports-digest/|title=Two 'front' pages for relaunched Saturday sports digest|date=19 September 2005|website=Hold the front page|access-date=7 February 2009}}

From January 2010 to September 2011, the paper published a youth supplement called The Leicester WAVE{{cite news|url=http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Wave-shows-future-looks-bright/story-12050980-detail/story.html|title=Wave shows that the future looks bright|work=Leicester Mercury|date=20 January 2010|access-date=25 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302081814/http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Wave-shows-future-looks-bright/story-12050980-detail/story.html|archive-date=2 March 2014|url-status=dead}} on the last Wednesday of each month. People under the age of 25 wrote the content, which examined how Mercury stories affected young people. Sam Newton edited the supplement in 2011.{{cite news|url=http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/New-year-new-look/story-12024928-detail/story.html|title=New year, new look!|work=Leicester Mercury|date=26 January 2011|access-date=25 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302081819/http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/New-year-new-look/story-12024928-detail/story.html|archive-date=2 March 2014|url-status=dead}}

The newspaper's headquarters underwent an external renovation at a reported cost of £12.5m before reopening to the public. The redesigned building aligned with Leicester's plans for an "office core" near the Mercury's head office.{{cite web|url=http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2007/news/mercury-unveils-12m-redevelopment/|title=Mercury unveils £12m redevelopment|date=7 September 2006|website=Hold the front page|access-date=7 February 2009}} In April 2009, some production work transferred to a hub in Nottingham that also handled work for the Nottingham Post and the Derby Telegraph, while approximately 60 journalists remained in Leicester. In 2016, Trinity Mirror listed the third floor of the newspaper's building for lease, with plans to relocate all journalists to a new office in 2017. The newspaper's reporters, sports writers, photographers, feature writers, and proofreaders continued to be based in Leicester and other Leicestershire towns.{{citation needed|date=February 2010}}

The offices relocated to New Walk from Mercury Place in March 2017.{{cite news |last1=Sharman |first1=David |title=Leicester Mercury set to move into New Walk office |url=https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2017/news/regional-daily-set-to-move-into-new-city-centre-office/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Hold the Front Page |date=6 March 2017}} In 2024, the office moved to the University of Leicester campus.{{cite web |title=Reporter - LeicestershireLive |url=https://www.nctj.com/jobs/reporter-leicestershirelive/ |website=National Council for the Training of Journalists |language=en |date=25 April 2025}}

In December 2006, 79% of the Mercury's workforce voted for National Union of Journalists recognition, making the paper the second Northcliffe Newspapers chapel to secure union representation.{{cite web|url=http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2007/news/journalists-union-wins-recognition-at-two-newspaper-publishing-centres/|title=Journalists' union wins recognition at two newspaper publishing centres|date=28 December 2006|website=Hold the front page|access-date=7 February 2009}}

In 2012, Local World acquired Northcliffe Media from Daily Mail and General Trust.{{cite news|title=Daily Mail sells regional newspapers to Local World|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20424474|work=BBC News|date=21 November 2012}} Trinity Mirror purchased the company in 2015 and rebranded as Reach plc in 2018.{{cite news|last1=Sweney|first1=Mark|title=Trinity Mirror confirms £220m Local World deal|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2015/oct/28/trinity-mirror-local-world-deal|work=The Guardian|date=28 October 2015}}{{cite news|title=Trinity Mirror rebrands as Reach after Express and Star deal|url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/may/03/trinity-mirror-rebrands-as-reach-after-express-and-star-deal|work=The Guardian|date=3 May 2018}}

The Leicester Mercury implemented a digital strategy in the 2010s, launching its online platform LeicestershireLive to provide news across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/about-us|title=About Us|work=Leicester Mercury|access-date=9 May 2025}} LeicestershireLive launched in February 2018 as part of Reach plc's regional digital expansion.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/reach-regional-rebrand-live-sites/|title=Reach Plc completes regional rebrand with launch of 'Live' news websites|publisher=Press Gazette|date=13 February 2018|access-date=9 May 2025}} Print circulation decreased from approximately 25,000 in 2015 to 4,997 daily copies by 2025, while online readership grew to over 4.2 million monthly page views by 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.org.uk/product/2497|title=Leicester Mercury|publisher=Audit Bureau of Circulations (UK)|date=27 January 2025|access-date=17 February 2025}} LeicestershireLive became the primary publishing channel for the newspaper.

LeicestershireLive expanded to include video reports, photo galleries, and interactive content. The platform introduced a digital content management system in 2019 for faster publication and improved audience analytics.{{cite web|url=https://www.journalism.co.uk/news/reach-digital-transformation/s2/a737654/|title=Inside Reach's digital transformation: Content management systems and audience data|publisher=Journalism.co.uk|date=14 March 2019|access-date=9 May 2025}} During Leicester City Football Club's 2016 Premier League victory, the platform published match updates, videos, and reader reactions, recording over 500,000 page views in one day.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/leicester-citys-premier-league-title-10467876|title=Leicester City's Premier League title win: A fairytale come true|work=Leicester Mercury|date=3 May 2016|access-date=9 May 2025}} The 2015 reburial of King Richard III coverage included blogs, historical photographs, and video of the cathedral ceremony.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/king-richard-iii-reburial-everything-7179788|title=King Richard III reburial: Everything you need to know|work=Leicester Mercury|date=22 March 2015|access-date=9 May 2025}} The 2023 Leicester Caribbean Carnival coverage featured photo galleries and video of the parade.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/leicester-caribbean-carnival-returns-city-8654321|title=Leicester Caribbean Carnival returns to city centre with vibrant parade|work=Leicester Mercury|date=5 August 2023|access-date=9 May 2025}}

LeicestershireLive utilizes multiple digital channels: website, social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) (@leicslive) and Facebook, and mobile applications. As of 2024, the @leicslive X account had 130,000 followers, and its Facebook page had approximately 215,000 followers.{{cite web|url=https://www.socialmediadata.uk/local-news/leicestershire-live-metrics-2024|title=UK Local News Social Media Metrics 2024|publisher=Social Media Data UK|date=18 January 2024|access-date=9 May 2025}} In 2022, LeicestershireLive launched a redesigned mobile application with personalized news feeds and location-based content options.{{cite web|url=https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2022/news/reach-launches-new-app-design-for-regional-titles/|title=Reach launches new app design for regional titles|publisher=Hold The Front Page|date=4 July 2022|access-date=9 May 2025}} The platform uses push notifications for mobile users.{{cite web|url=https://www.nctj.com/jobs/reporter-leicestershirelive/|title=Reporter - LeicestershireLive|website=National Council for the Training of Journalists|date=25 April 2025|access-date=9 May 2025}}

The digital operations of the Leicester Mercury are managed through Reach plc's Nottingham production hub, with a team of local journalists covering Leicester and Leicestershire news. In 2021, Reach plc implemented a "Live" newsroom model across its regional titles, including LeicestershireLive, introducing specialized digital roles such as audience editors, social media producers, and SEO specialists.{{cite web|url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/reach-live-newsroom-restructure-2021/|title=Reach implements 'Live' newsroom restructure with new digital-focused roles|publisher=Press Gazette|date=17 March 2021|access-date=9 May 2025}} As of 2025, the LeicestershireLive editorial team consists of approximately 15 journalists, including a digital editor and multimedia content creators.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/contact-us/|title=Contact Us|work=Leicester Mercury|access-date=9 May 2025}}

LeicestershireLive uses a digital revenue strategy combining display advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing. In 2023, the platform introduced "LeicestershireLive Plus," a premium content section offering exclusive articles to registered users without a paywall.{{cite web|url=https://www.inpublishing.co.uk/articles/reach-regional-plus-model-implementation|title=Reach expands regional 'Plus' model without hard paywalls|publisher=InPublishing|date=23 May 2023|access-date=9 May 2025}} The site developed location-based advertising capabilities for local businesses to target specific Leicester neighborhoods and demographics.{{cite web|url=https://www.reachsolutions.co.uk/case-studies/leicestershire-local-targeting|title=Case Study: Leicestershire Local Targeting Campaign|publisher=Reach Solutions|date=November 2024|access-date=9 May 2025}}

The Leicester Mercury has reported on Leicester's development over its 150-year history, documenting the city's change from an industrial center to a multicultural city. The newspaper covers Leicester's diverse communities, including South Asian, African-Caribbean, and Eastern European populations, through reporting on cultural festivals, community initiatives, and social issues.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/leicester-caribbean-carnival-returns-city-8654321|title=Leicester Caribbean Carnival returns to city centre with vibrant parade|work=Leicester Mercury|date=5 August 2023|access-date=9 May 2025}} Its coverage includes events such as the Leicester Caribbean Carnival, Diwali celebrations, and Leicester Pride.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/leicester-pride-2024-heres-everything-9485720|title=Leicester Pride 2024: Here's everything you need to know|work=Leicester Mercury|date=31 August 2024|access-date=9 May 2025}}

The Leicester Mercury has covered major events in Leicester's history. The newspaper published front-page headlines and special editions about Leicester City Football Club's 2016 Premier League victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/leicester-citys-premier-league-title-10467876|title=Leicester City's Premier League title win: A fairytale come true|work=Leicester Mercury|date=3 May 2016|access-date=9 May 2025}} It covered King Richard III's discovery and reburial in 2015 with historical information and updates.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/king-richard-iii-reburial-everything-7179788|title=King Richard III reburial: Everything you need to know|work=Leicester Mercury|date=22 March 2015|access-date=9 May 2025}} The newspaper reports on local traditions, such as Melton Mowbray's VE Day events with Spitfire fly-pasts.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/melton-mowbray-ve-day-80th-9185923|title=Melton Mowbray VE Day 80th anniversary to feature Spitfire fly-past|work=Leicester Mercury|date=8 May 2025|access-date=9 May 2025}}

The Leicester Mercury covers local incidents and social issues. In 2018, it reported on the drowning of six-year-old Khai Satkunarajah in the River Soar, including search efforts, tributes, and safety campaigns.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/boy-6-who-died-after-13432587|title=Boy, 6, who died after falling into River Soar named as Khai Satkunarajah|work=Leicester Mercury|date=16 July 2018|access-date=9 May 2025}} The newspaper reported on the 2024 murder of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli in Franklin Park, Braunstone Town, detailing the attack, family response, and community reaction.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/boy-14-charged-murder-grandfather-9559873|title=Boy, 14, charged with murder after grandfather dies in Braunstone park incident|work=Leicester Mercury|date=4 September 2024|access-date=9 May 2025}} The newspaper's "Tower of Horrors" series examined living conditions in Leicester's tower blocks.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester-news/tower-horrors-life-leicesters-high-8765432|title=Tower of Horrors: Life in Leicester's high-rise flats|work=Leicester Mercury|date=12 October 2023|access-date=9 May 2025}}

The Leicester Mercury's online platform, LeicestershireLive, publishes content through digital media, interactive features, and real-time reporting. The 2019 "Save Our Venues" campaign covered Leicester's independent music venues.{{cite web|url=https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife/save-venues-campaign-launched-protect-3456789|title=Save Our Venues campaign launched to protect Leicester's music scene|work=Leicester Mercury|date=15 October 2019|access-date=9 May 2025}}

The Leicester Mercury and LeicestershireLive employ journalists who report on Leicester and Leicestershire.

Tom Mack is a senior reporter at LeicestershireLive who joined the publication in 2016. He has reported on the 2018 Leicester explosion and the murder trial of Rania Alayed's husband in 2014. His work focuses on breaking news and community stories.

Hannah Richardson is a Local Democracy Reporter for Leicestershire, covering Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and the District and Borough Councils for LeicestershireLive, the BBC and other media partners.

Dylan Hayward is a reporter for LeicestershireLive. He covers Leicestershire and frequently writes about crime, local government, education, health, environmental issues and housing. Dylan previously worked as a reporter at BirminghamLive. In 2022, he won the Reach Plc Digital Journalism Award for exceptional digital journalism.

Lee Garrett is a content editor. He reports on crime and courts for LeicestershireLive. He has covered the 2020 sentencing of Dylan West and the 2024 Bhim Kohli murder trial.

Tess is a Local Democracy Reporter, covering Leicestershire County Council and several district councils. Tess joined Leicestershire Live in 2012, working first as a communities editor and then social media manager. She previously worked in the public sector and has expertise in a variety of local government matters.

Julia Breens is a local democracy reporter covering Charnwood, Hinckley and Melton district councils

• James Thompson (1874–1877)
• Francis Hewitt (1877–1882)
• Harry Hackett (1882–1923)
• Vernon Hewitt (1923–19??)
• John Fortune (1952–1974)
• Neville Stack (1974–1987)
• Alex Leys (1987–1993){{Cite web |last=wireposts |first=Dominic |date=2008-10-27 |title=Northcliffe drops from six regional divisions to three |url=https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/northcliffe-drops-from-six-regional-divisions-to-three/ |access-date=2024-01-19 |website=Press Gazette |language=en-US}}
• Nick Carter (1993–2009){{cite news |last1=Luft |first1=Oliver |title=Leicester Mercury editor Nick Carter to leave after 15 years in charge |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jan/19/editor-nick-carter-leaves-leicester-mercury |work=The Guardian |date=19 January 2009 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Amos |first1=Owen |title=Leicester Mercury editor Nick Carter quits after 16 years |url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/leicester-mercury-editor-nick-carter-quits-after-16-years/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Press Gazette |date=19 January 2009}}
• Keith Perch (2009–2011){{cite news |title=Tanner beats 140 to land Leicester Mercury job |url=https://www.sportsjournalists.co.uk/other-bodies/football-writers/tanner-beats-140-to-land-leicester-mercury-job/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=The Sports Journalists' Association |date=8 August 2009}}{{cite news |last1=Gunter |first1=Joel |title=Keith Perch quits as Leicester Mercury editor |url=https://www.journalism.co.uk/news/keith-perch-quits-as-leicester-mercury-editor/s2/a546330/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Journalism.co.uk |date=13 October 2011}}{{cite news |last1=Pugh |first1=Andrew |title=Keith Perch resigns as Leicester Mercury editor |url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/keith-perch-resigns-as-leicester-mercury-editor/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Press Gazette |date=13 October 2011}}
• Richard Bettsworth (2011–2014){{cite news |last1=Linford |first1=Paul |title=Richard Bettsworth confirmed as Leicester Mercury editor |url=https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2012/news/bettsworth-confirmed-as-leicester-mercury-editor/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Hold the Front Page |date=26 April 2012}}{{cite news |title=Change of editor at Leicester Mercury |url=https://www.inpublishing.co.uk/articles/change-of-editor-at-leicester-mercury-6458 |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=InPublishing |date=26 August 2014}}
• Kevin Booth (2014–2016){{cite news |last1=Turvill |first1=William |title=Burton Mail's Kevin Booth to replace outgoing Leicester Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth |url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/burton-mails-kevin-booth-to-replace-outgoing-leicester-mercury-editor-richard-bettsworth/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Press Gazette |date=26 August 2014}}{{cite news |last1=Linford |first1=Paul |title=Daily editor to oversee Midlands sister title |url=https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2014/news/daily-editor-to-oversee-midlands-sister-title/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Hold the Front Page |date=10 September 2014}}{{cite news |last1=Linford |first1=Paul |title=Regional daily editor quits for 'personal reasons' |url=https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2016/news/regional-daily-editor-quits-for-personal-reasons/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Hold the Front Page |date=14 April 2016}}
• George Oliver (2016–2020){{cite news |last1=Mayhew |first1=Freddy |title=Trinity Mirror appoints new editors to Leicester Mercury and Cambridge News |url=https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/trinity-mirror-appoints-new-editors-to-leicester-mercury-and-cambridge-news/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Press Gazette |date=22 June 2016}}{{cite news |last1=Sharman |first1=David |title=Leicester Mercury and Stoke Sentinel editors reveal departures |url=https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2020/news/daily-editor-reveals-departure-amid-regional-publishers-cuts/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Hold the Front Page |date=10 July 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Sharman |first1=David |title=New editors unveiled at two former Local World dailies |url=https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2016/news/new-editors-unveiled-at-two-former-local-world-dailies/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Hold the Front Page |date=21 June 2016}}
• Adam Moss (2020–2023){{cite news |last1=Linford |first1=Paul |title=Four new editors named in Reach Midlands reshuffle |url=https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2020/news/four-new-editors-named-in-reach-midlands-reshuffle/ |access-date=10 January 2021 |work=Hold the Front Page |date=1 September 2020}}
• Linda Steelyard (2023–present){{cite news |last1=Sharman|first1=David|title=Four new editors named in Reach Midlands reshuffle |url=https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2023/news/four-new-editors-named-in-reach-midlands-reshuffle/ |access-date=9 May 2025 |work=Hold the Front Page |date=20 June 2023}}

{{reflist}}

• [http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk Leicester Mercury Website]

{{UK regional daily newspapers}}

{{Local World}}

Category:Companies based in Leicester

Category:Newspapers published in Leicestershire

Category:Northcliffe Media

Category:Daily newspapers published in the United Kingdom

Category:Newspapers published by Reach plc

Category:Newspapers established in 1874

Category:1874 establishments in England