The Straits Times' coverage of Singapore's socio-political development over 180 years

The Straits Times has been a key chronicler of socio-political development for over 180 years, since its founding in 1845. Initially launched as The Straits Times and Singapore Journal of Commerce, it began as a weekly paper focused on commercial news for a bustling port community and evolved into a daily by 1858. Over time, it expanded its coverage from business to local socio-political issues, reflecting and influencing public discourse.

Throughout its history, The Straits Times has documented major socio-political changes, including colonial governance, wartime occupation, post-war reconstruction, and nation-building efforts. For example, under early 20th-century editor Alexander William Still, it promoted local causes such as higher education for diverse ethnic communities. After World War II, it shifted from a pro-British business focus to more localized issues, becoming the dominant newspaper with wide readership.

The paper has adapted technologically and editorially, modernizing its printing and typesetting and expanding editions to reach broader audiences, including editions in multiple languages. It remains the flagship English-language daily of Singapore Press Holdings, with a combined print and digital readership exceeding one million.

Archival access to The Straits Times dating back to its inception is available through resources like NewspaperSG, enabling research into its extensive socio-political reportage over nearly two centuries.

In summary, The Straits Times has played a central role in documenting and shaping socio-political development over 180 years by evolving from a commercial weekly to a comprehensive daily newspaper that balances local and international news, reflecting the changing political and social landscape.