The Economist

The Economist
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Name	The Economist
Type	Weekly newspaper
Format	Magazine
Foundation	September 1843
Founder	James Wilson
Editor	Zanny Minton Beddoes
Headquarters	The Adelphi, London
Circulation	Approx. 1.2 million (print and digital)
ISSN	0013-0613

The Economist. A weekly newspaper published in magazine format, it is a globally influential publication known for its advocacy of classical liberalism, free trade, and globalization. Founded in September 1843 by James Wilson to campaign for the repeal of the Corn Laws, it has grown into a leading voice on international affairs, politics, economics, and business. Recognizable by its distinctive red logo and anonymous editorial voice, it combines rigorous analysis with a distinctive wit and a commitment to data-driven journalism.

History

The publication was established in London during a period of intense debate over British economic policy, specifically to advance the arguments of the Anti-Corn Law League. Its early editors, including Walter Bagehot and Richard Holt Hutton, shaped its intellectual character, with Bagehot's writings on the British constitution and central banking becoming particularly influential. Throughout the 20th century, it reported on pivotal events like the Great Depression, the rise of Nazi Germany, and the Cold War, consistently supporting Atlanticism and European integration. Major expansions included the 1946 founding of The Economist Intelligence Unit and a significant increase in North American readership from the 1970s onward. Key figures in its modern development include editors like Geoffrey Crowther and Rupert Pennant-Rea, who oversaw its transformation into a truly global publication.

Content and style

The publication is organized into clear sections covering Britain, Europe, The United States, The Americas, Asia, China, The Middle East and Africa, and International affairs, alongside dedicated areas for Business, Finance and economics, Science and technology, and Books and arts. Its editorial stance is firmly rooted in classical liberalism, supporting free markets, individual liberty, and limited government intervention. A hallmark is its anonymous voice; articles are published without bylines to promote collective authority and a consistent institutional viewpoint. The writing style is known for its precise, analytical prose, dry wit, and extensive use of data and charts, with famous columns including "Bagehot" on British politics and "Charlemagne" on European affairs. Its annual special reports and the innovative "The World In" year-ahead publication are highly anticipated.

Business model and circulation

It operates a hybrid revenue model, with income derived from both circulation (subscriptions and newsstand sales) and advertising targeted at a high-income, global readership. Its circulation has grown steadily, reaching approximately 1.2 million across print and digital platforms, with its largest markets in North America and Europe. A significant and successful digital strategy has been implemented, including a paywalled website and popular apps, podcasts like "The Intelligence", and newsletters. The business is supported by other ventures, notably The Economist Intelligence Unit, which provides country analysis and forecasting services to corporate and government clients. This diversification has helped maintain financial independence and editorial freedom.

Influence and reception

The readership is disproportionately powerful, including senior business executives, politicians, diplomats, and academics worldwide, making it a required reading within many global elites. Its endorsements in elections, particularly in UK and US polls, are closely watched, though it has historically favored centrist or reformist candidates from parties like the British Liberal Democrats and has endorsed both Democrats and Republicans. It has received numerous awards, including multiple National Magazine Awards for its reporting. Criticism has come from both the left, which attacks its neoliberal economic views, and the right, which sometimes decries its social liberalism and support for issues like climate change action. Its data journalism and annual Democracy Index are widely cited by institutions like the World Bank and United Nations.

Ownership and governance

It is owned by The Economist Group, with the core principle of editorial independence protected by a unique shareholding structure. While the Financial Times held a stake in the past, the largest single shareholder is now the Italian Agnelli family through their investment firm Exor N.V.. However, control is exercised through "B" shares held by independent trustees, including members of prominent families like the Rothschilds and Schroders, who are mandated to uphold the publication's editorial charter. Day-to-day operations are led by the Editor, a position held since 2015 by Zanny Minton Beddoes, and a board of directors, ensuring a separation between commercial and journalistic decision-making.

Category:Weekly newspapers published in the United Kingdom Category:Publications established in 1843