The Economist

The Economist can best be described as a political, literary and general newspaper. In addition to offering analysis and opinion, each issue covers the main business and political events of the week.

Established in 1843 to campaign against the Corn Laws, The Economist remains true to the principles of its founder, James Wilson, who believed in free trade, internationalism and minimum interference by government. Over the years, the newspaper never abandoned its commitment to the classical 19th-century Liberal ideas of its founder.

The Economist goes to press on Thursdays and is printed simultaneously in six countries. Readers around the world get the same words and editorial matter, except in Britain where a few extra pages are devoted to British news.

Many different journalists write for the Economist, but their names are never disclosed. The main reason for anonymity is a belief that what is written is more important than who writes it.

Since 1928, half the shares of the Economist have been owned by the Financial Times, the other half by a group of independent shareholders. In order to guarantee the editor's independence, a board of trustees was created, which formally appoints him and he cannot be removed without their permission.

The Economist believes in plain language and considers itself the enemy of privilege and predictability. It has backed conservatives while at the same time supported a variety of liberal causes.