Monday, November 1, 2004, marks another important date in The Times’s long and extraordinary history, a history highlighted by changes in format and appearance, but whose constant has been quality journalism. Over the past 216 years The Times has played a pivotal role in British society and it remains by far the most influential of British newspapers. The Times was the first paper to employ a foreign correspondent, and it now has more staff correspondents abroad than at any time in its history. The paper’s business coverage is read by far more business people than that of any other quality newspaper in Britain, and the originality and variety of our columnists are rightly renowned. None of that will change, but from today The Times will be a compact newspaper.

Since we launched the compact edition almost a year ago, it has been clear that the format has attracted many new readers to The Times and further expanded our influence. While our principal rivals are in serious decline, an increasing number of readers has noticed the qualitative difference in coverage and switched to The Times.

There are few relationships as intimate as that of newspaper and devoted reader, and there is no doubt that some readers accustomed to the broadsheet will take time to adjust to the new format. Where is the Crossword? How do I find the Obituaries? Where is the Need-to-Know page in the Business section? We will do our best to navigate you to your favourite articles and writers; each day for the coming week, there will be a special panel on Page Two providing practical guidance. The page numbers may be different, but the compact is created by the same editors, designers and reporters who produced the broadsheet, and they are the best in the craft.

The Times has been the beacon of fine journalism in this country and around the world. Our new format ensures that The Times will continue to prosper and to perform its unique and crucial role in British society.

Yours faithfully
Robert Thomson
Editor

Read Saturday's First Leader in full here

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