Express and Star: A Regional News Pillar in the West Midlands Continues Its Legacy

The Importance of Regional News in the West Midlands

In an era where local journalism faces unprecedented challenges, the Express and Star stands as one of the biggest selling regional newspapers in Britain, serving communities across the West Midlands with trusted, reliable news coverage. Founded in 1874, the Express and Star newspaper covers the Black Country, South Staffordshire, and North Worcestershire regions, providing essential local news, sports coverage, and community stories that national outlets often overlook.

The newspaper’s significance extends far beyond daily headlines. The Express and Star has become a pillar of the West Midlands community, supporting many initiatives for local businesses, communities and charities, including business awards and apprenticeship programmes that help shape the region’s economic future.

Digital Transformation and Recent Developments

The Express and Star has embraced the digital age while maintaining its commitment to quality journalism. The digital edition of the Express and Star was re-launched in 2021 and allows readers to access news, sport and analysis on their mobile or tablet. In a significant ownership change, the paper was sold by the family-owned Claverley Group to National World in September 2023, marking a new chapter in its storied history.

As we enter 2026, the newspaper continues to adapt to changing reader habits. The newspaper reaches 137,197 readers every day in print and 1.8 million monthly unique users through expressandstar.co.uk, demonstrating its successful multi-platform approach to news delivery.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

The Express and Star’s coverage extends beyond breaking news to celebrate local achievements. Recent highlights include comprehensive reporting on the New Year Honours List 2026, featuring 30 incredible West Midlands people honoured by the King, showcasing the region’s diverse talent and contributions.

The paper is synonymous with sport in the West Midlands, proving to be the go-to voice for football fans following Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, and Walsall. Beyond sports, the newspaper champions local businesses through initiatives like the Express and Star Business Awards, which celebrate innovation and success across multiple categories.

For West Midlands residents, the Express and Star remains an indispensable source of information, connecting communities and telling the stories that matter most to local people. As regional journalism continues to evolve, this historic newspaper demonstrates that local news remains vital to democratic society and community cohesion.