Belfast Telegraph

The Belfast Telegraph has supercharged its digital growth through cutting-edge, agenda-setting journalism and investigations. In-contract subscriber numbers rose by 30% in 2025, nearly trebling the previous year’s growth. Subscriber attention metrics also hit record levels. 

These results are powered by a strategy focused on giving audiences rounded, accessible and co-ordinated storytelling. Long-form journalism is paired with video and audio content for a truly immersive experience. On-site videos garnered more than a million monthly views last year.

A great example of the Belfast Telegraph’s integrated storytelling approach is its award-winning investigation, with accompanying video and podcast, into an online ‘brand builder’ scam. The coverage directly attracted more than 100 new subscribers, several of whom said it had stopped them handing over money to the scheme.

The Belfast Telegraph is relentless in exploring new formats and mediums. The award-winning BelTel podcast averages 35,000 weekly plays (an increase of 17% year-on-year), while the publication’s TikTok channel, launched in October 2024, has topped 5 million plays and over 250,000 likes. New weekly newsletters in sport and over the weekend have increased the daily newsletter audience by 29%, while three new daily deadlines ensure that content on the main site is kept fresh.

Judges’ comments: “A publication that understands its audience extremely well… Impressive in its expansion into growing mediums like TikTok, newsletters and podcasts. Impactful journalism like this can prompt real change in our communities.”