Financial Times
History
The Financial Times (FT) is a British daily newspaper printed in broadsheet and published digitally that focuses on business and economic current affairs. The FT was first published on 13 February 1888 by James Sheridan and his brother, Horatio Bottomley. The paper was intended to give information to the public about the financial markets and was seen as a means of bringing financial news to the streets in a concise and efficient manner.
The FT began its international expansion in the post-Second World War period, with the opening of its first overseas office in New York in 1945. This was followed by the launch of the European edition in 1979. In recent years, the FT has continued to expand its digital operations, with digital subscriptions now outstripping print sales.
Ownership and Editorial Stance
The Financial Times is owned by the Japanese company, Nikkei Inc., which bought the newspaper from Pearson PLC in 2015. Despite changes in ownership, the FT has maintained a consistent editorial stance. It supports free markets and is in favour of globalisation. On domestic issues, it has a liberal stance, often supporting policies that promote equality and social justice.
Content and Features
The FT provides a wide range of content, including news, comments, data, and analysis. It is divided into two main sections: the first section covers domestic and international news, while the second section, called 'Companies and Markets', provides detailed coverage of business and financial news. The FT also publishes a number of special reports and supplements focusing on different sectors and regions.
The newspaper is known for its authoritative and in-depth analysis. It employs a team of economists and analysts who provide expert commentary on economic trends and financial markets. The FT's op-ed column, known as the 'Lex' column, is particularly well-regarded in the financial community.
Influence and Impact
The Financial Times is one of the world's leading business news organisations. Its reporting and analysis are widely respected, and it is considered a must-read by business and financial professionals. The FT's influence extends beyond its core readership: its articles are often cited in other media, and its views can shape public debate on economic and business issues.
The FT has won numerous awards for its journalism. It has been recognized for its investigative reporting, its economic analysis, and its digital innovation.
Digital Operations
The FT was one of the first newspapers to successfully implement a paywall, introducing its digital subscription model in 2002. The newspaper's digital operations have grown significantly since then, and digital subscriptions now make up more than three-quarters of the FT's total circulation.
The FT's digital strategy has focused on providing high-quality, in-depth journalism that readers are willing to pay for. The newspaper has also invested in data analytics to understand its readers' behaviour and preferences, and to tailor its content and marketing accordingly.