Express and Star Continues as Britain’s Leading Regional Evening Newspaper

Introduction: A Pillar of Regional Journalism

The Express & Star is the biggest-selling regional evening newspaper in Britain, serving as a vital source of information for communities across the West Midlands. Founded in 1889, it is based in Wolverhampton, England, and covers the West Midlands county and Staffordshire. In an era where regional newspapers face significant challenges, the Express and Star stands out as one of the few independent newspapers still operating in the UK, having been under the continuous ownership of the Graham family almost since its inception.

Current Coverage and Community Impact

The newspaper maintains comprehensive coverage of local affairs, from breaking news to sports and community events. Recent coverage has focused on significant regional matters including Storm Goretti’s impact on the West Midlands, local football teams including Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion, and community initiatives. The newspaper covers the Black Country, South Staffordshire and North Worcestershire regions, with 137,197 readers every day in print and 1.8 million monthly unique users through expressandstar.com.

More than just a publisher of regional news, the Express & Star has become a pillar of the West Midlands community, supporting many initiatives for local businesses, communities and charities, such Cash for Schools, the annual Business Awards and The Ladder for the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards. This community engagement demonstrates the newspaper’s commitment to serving beyond traditional journalism.

Digital Evolution and Modern Reach

The Express and Star has successfully adapted to the digital age whilst maintaining its print presence. Its website expressandstar.com was launched in 1997, and the publication has continued to innovate with mobile applications and digital editions. The digital edition of the Express & Star was re-launched in 2021 and allows readers to access news, sport and analysis on their mobile or tablet.

Significance for Readers

The continued success of the Express and Star represents more than just commercial viability—it reflects the enduring importance of trusted, local journalism. Regional newspapers are different from national titles, relying far more on trust. As communities across the West Midlands navigate challenges from severe weather to economic changes, the newspaper remains an essential platform for information, connection, and civic engagement. Its independent ownership model also provides editorial freedom increasingly rare in modern media landscapes.