Get it on Google Play

Mystery as News Letter editor Ben Lowry dumped – and won't be replaced

Mystery as News Letter editor Ben Lowry dumped – and won't be replaced

Author: Belfast Telegraph August 7, 2026 Duration: 31:00
The BelTel
NewsDaily

Ben Lowry is no longer the editor of the News Letter. The outspoken commentator was removed from his position without explanation. 


Mr Lowry had spent 19 years at what is the world's oldest continuously published English language daily newspaper. 


The 288-year-old unionist paper now appears to be drifting without an editor at the helm. 


The Belfast Telegraph has been told that staff are shocked and dismayed by the departure but the paper’s new owner has declined to answer questions about what is going on amid claims there was a row about possible Irish Government funding. 


I’m joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland editor, and former political editor at the News Letter, Sam McBride. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


For a clear-eyed look at the politics and people shaping Northern Ireland, turn to The BelTel. This podcast moves beyond the headlines, offering context and depth on the stories dominating the conversation. Regular voices include seasoned journalists like Allison Morris, Sam McBride, and Suzanne Breen, who bring their sharp analysis and insider perspectives directly to you. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the discussions are timely, informed, and grounded in the region's complex reality. New episodes arrive three times a week, each one serving as an essential briefing that investigates pressing issues, debates differing viewpoints, and informs listeners with nuance. It’s a direct line to the heart of the news from those who know it best. This is a production from the Belfast Telegraph, hosted on Acast.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Official website RSS
The BelTel
Podcast Episodes
God, Religion, the Troubles, and Christian Peacebuilding [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:57
For much of the world, the Troubles in Northern Ireland were about Catholics and Protestants fighting each other. With those labels being used as shorthand to this day to describe members of the two main communities, it'…
‘Peace at last’: The 1994 Loyalist Ceasefires [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:46
On the 13 October 1994, six weeks after the IRA announced a ‘complete cessation’, the Loyalist paramilitary groups declared their ceasefires. The UVF’s Gusty Spence announced loyalist violence was over, in a step that is…
Jon Burrows and the UUP in a fix as Mike Nesbitt resigns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:54
The UUP's Mike Nesbitt has resigned as health minister – with a stinging public resignation letter aimed at his UUP leader Jon BurrowsThe row is over retaining emergency general surgery at the Causeway Hospital in Colera…
'It’s Over’: The 1994 IRA 'ceasefire' [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:13
After 25 years of what it termed ‘Armed Struggle’ and the ‘Long War’ , the Provisional IRA called a “complete cessation of military operations” on 31st August 1994 – 30 years ago. By that stage, the organisation was resp…
Families search for truth over 1983 south Armagh murders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
Paddy Mackin and Eamon MacMahon's bodies were found on the morning of the 13th of July, 1983. They both had been blasted with a shotgun as close range. The murders of the 34 year olds were first blamed on INLA leaders Do…
Culture war rages in the wake of Prof Jason Arday resignation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:24
UPDATE: Professor Jason Arday was found deceased in London on Friday afternoon. He was found at an address in Battersea and pronounced dead at the scene. At 37, Jason Arday became the University of Cambridge’s youngest b…

«12345»