Reuters
Reuters is a British news agency wholly owned by Thomson Reuters, a multinational information conglomerate.
- founder
- Paul Julius Reuter
- field
- News agency
- nationality
- British
- known_for
- Being one of the world's largest news agencies; first to report Abraham Lincoln's assassination in Europe; pioneering use of telegraphy, radio, and computer networks for news transmission
Lore & Background
Reuters pioneered radio transmission of news in 1923 and computer-based financial data transmission in the 1960s. It scooped news of the Berlin Wall's erection in 1961 and its breach in 1989. In 2008, the Thomson Corporation of Canada acquired Reuters, forming Thomson Reuters.
Reader's Guide
Its significance lies in its early adoption of technology—from homing pigeons and telegraphy to radio and computer networks—which allowed it to deliver news faster than competitors. The agency's role in the Ring Combination and its dominance in reserved territories helped shape international news distribution in the late 19th century. During the 20th century, Reuters maintained independence through the Reuters Trust Principles, resisting government pressure during World War II. Its expansion into financial data services in the 1970s and 1980s made it a key player in global finance. The 2008 merger with Thomson Corporation created a multinational information conglomerate. Reuters has won 13 Pulitzer Prizes since 2008, including for coverage of the Hong Kong protests and the Gaza war.
Did You Know?
- Reuters scooped news of the erection of the Berlin Wall in 1961 and its breach in 1989.
- As of 2025, Reuters has won a total of 13 Pulitzer Prizes since 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Reuters's story end?
Reuters has no definitive ending, as it remains an active global news operation under the Thomson Reuters umbrella. Its ongoing legacy is that of a continuous, century-plus thread of international reporting.
Why is Reuters important?
The agency was a pioneer in using telegraphy, radio broadcasts, and later computer networks to transmit news faster than any competitor. It also holds the distinction of being the first outlet to deliver news of Abraham Lincoln's assassination to European audiences.
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