What is Reuters and who is its current parent company?

Reuters is an international news agency that is currently a division of Thomson Reuters. It is recognized as one of the largest news agencies globally, operating in approximately 200 locations worldwide and reporting in 16 languages.

When and by whom was Reuters founded?

Reuters was founded in London in October 1851 by Paul Julius Reuter, who was a German baron.

What was the initial focus of Reuters when it was established in London?

Initially, Reuters focused on covering commercial news, serving clients such as banks, brokerage houses, and other business firms. It later expanded to include newspaper clients, beginning with the London Morning Advertiser in 1858.

How did Reuters gain early recognition for its news reporting?

Reuters gained recognition for its ability to be the first to report on stories of international importance. For example, it was the first to report Abraham Lincoln's assassination in Europe in 1865.

What significant agreement did Reuters enter into with other press agencies in 1870?

In 1870, Reuters, along with the French agency Havas and the German agency Wolff, signed an agreement known as the 'Ring Combination.' This agreement established 'reserved territories' for each agency to operate within, though Reuters, having proposed the idea, tended to dominate the arrangement due to its wider reach and news contributions.

How did Reuters expand its operations geographically in the late 19th century?

Reuters expanded into the Far East in 1872 and into South America in 1874. These expansions were facilitated by advancements in overland telegraphs and undersea cables.

Who succeeded Paul Julius Reuter as the managing director of Reuters?

Upon Paul Julius Reuter's retirement in 1878, his eldest son, Herbert de Reuter, succeeded him as managing director.

What changes occurred within Reuters in 1915 and 1916?

Herbert de Reuter died by suicide in 1915. The following year, Roderick Jones and Mark Napier purchased all shares, returning the company to private ownership. They renamed it 'Reuters Limited' and dropped the apostrophe from the name.

What was the nature of some Reuters reports concerning the March 1st Movement in Korea in 1919?

In 1919, some Reuters reports falsely described the anti-colonial March 1st Movement protests in Korea as violent Bolshevik uprisings. These reports were cited in international newspapers and may have negatively influenced global opinion on Korea.

How did Reuters pioneer news transmission in the 20th century?

Reuters began using radio to transmit news internationally in 1923, marking a pioneering step in news dissemination. Later, in the 1960s, it was among the first news agencies to transmit financial data across oceans using computers.

What was the ownership structure of Reuters after World War II?

After World War II, the Press Association sold half of Reuters to the Newspaper Proprietors' Association in 1941. In 1947, ownership was expanded to include associations representing daily newspapers in New Zealand and Australia, leading to the formation of the Reuters Trust to maintain the company's independence.

How did Reuters adapt to the rise of the internet in the 1990s?

Reuters became a dominant news service on the internet during the 1990s by forming partnerships with early internet-based news providers like ClariNet and PointCast.

When did Reuters become a public company, and where were its shares listed?

Reuters was floated as a public company in 1984, with its shares listed on stock exchanges including the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and NASDAQ.

What significant corporate merger involving Reuters occurred in 2008?

In 2008, the Thomson Corporation of Canada acquired Reuters in a corporate merger, which led to the formation of the Thomson Reuters Corporation.

What is the current headquarters location for Thomson Reuters?

The parent company, Thomson Reuters, is headquartered at 5 Canada Square in Canary Wharf, London, England.

What guiding principles do Reuters journalists follow?

Reuters journalists adhere to 'Standards and Values' which guide fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests. These principles are intended to uphold the company's reputation for reliability, accuracy, speed, and exclusivity.

Can you name some Reuters journalists who were killed while on assignment?

Several Reuters journalists have been killed on assignment, including Kurt Schork (American) in Sierra Leone in 2000, Taras Protsyuk (Ukrainian) and Mazen Dana (Palestinian) in Iraq in 2003, and Namir Noor-Eldeen (Iraqi) and Saeed Chmagh (Iraqi) in Baghdad in 2007.

What happened to Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo in Myanmar?

In 2018, Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were convicted in Myanmar of obtaining state secrets while investigating a massacre. They were widely condemned for this conviction, which was seen as an attack on press freedom, and were later freed in May 2019 after receiving a presidential pardon.

What controversy arose regarding Reuters' use of the word 'terrorist'?

Reuters has a policy of not using the word 'terrorist' without attribution, preferring a 'value-neutral approach.' This policy drew criticism, particularly after the September 11 attacks. Reuters stated that their goal was to protect their reporters and editorial integrity, leading them to ask a Canadian newspaper chain to remove their bylines when the chain edited articles to include the word 'terrorist'.

What concerns were raised about Reuters' climate change reporting?

A former Reuters climate change correspondent resigned, stating that it became progressively harder to publish climate change stories and that his role was abolished. He cited comments from a deputy editor-in-chief suggesting skepticism about climate change. Climate bloggers also criticized Reuters articles for perceived 'false balance' by including unrelated climate skeptic viewpoints.

What photograph controversies has Reuters faced?

Reuters faced controversy in 2006 when it used doctored photos by a Lebanese freelance photographer, Adnan Hajj, leading to severed ties with him. In 2010, Reuters was criticized for cropping knives and blood from photos taken during the Gaza flotilla raid, though Reuters stated cropping was standard procedure and replaced the images.

What error occurred in a Reuters report involving an Indian cyber firm?

In June 2020, three Reuters journalists incorrectly used the image of an Indian herbal medicine entrepreneur in a story about an obscure Indian cyber firm spying globally. The man whose image was used was interrogated by police, and Reuters admitted the error, attributing it to mistaking the man for a suspect due to a shared business address, though local media disputed this.

What accusation of bias was made against Reuters regarding former Brazilian president Fernando Henrique Cardoso?

In March 2015, Reuters released an interview excerpt with Fernando Henrique Cardoso. A parenthetical comment from a local editor, suggesting a paragraph about potential corruption dating back to Cardoso's presidency could be removed, was mistakenly published. Reuters confirmed this was an error, intended for the journalist, not for publication, and it confused readers about Cardoso's alleged involvement.

What role did the UK Government play in funding Reuters in the mid-20th century?

In the 1960s and 1970s, the UK Foreign Office provided funding to Reuters through the Information Research Department (IRD) and the BBC to expand coverage in the Middle East. The IRD provided £350,000 over four years, aiming for political influence rather than editorial control.

What was the significance of Reuters' partnership with the Russian news agency TASS?

In June 2020, Reuters announced TASS had joined its 'Reuters Connect' program. However, following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, this partnership drew criticism from Reuters staff. In March 2022, Reuters removed TASS from Reuters Connect, stating it was not aligned with the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

What concerns have Reuters journalists raised regarding fossil fuel advertising?

Journalists covering climate change for Reuters have expressed concern that conflicts of interest arising from publishing advertising for the fossil fuel industry could reduce the credibility of their reporting and lead readers to downplay the climate crisis.

What allegations were made against a Reuters journalist regarding journalistic activities in India?

In December 2023, India's Ministry of Home Affairs revoked the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status of Reuters cybersecurity journalist Raphael Satter, alleging unauthorized journalistic activities. Reuters supported Satter's denial, and a legal challenge was filed in the Delhi High Court.

What led to Valerie Zink's resignation from Reuters in August 2025?

Valerie Zink resigned from Reuters, accusing the agency of perpetuating Israel's propaganda regarding the Gaza war at the expense of its own journalists. She specifically cited Reuters publishing claims that journalist Anas Al-Sharif was a Hamas operative and noted the killing of five Reuters journalists, including Hossam Al-Masri, in Gaza.

What Pulitzer Prizes did Reuters staff win in 2024?

In 2024, Reuters staff won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for their work on Elon Musk and misconduct at his businesses, and the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography for their coverage of the Gaza war.

What was the 'Ring Combination' and Reuters' role in it?

The 'Ring Combination,' formed in 1870, was an agreement between European news agencies (Havas, Reuters, and Wolff) to divide territories for news gathering and distribution. Reuters, which initiated the idea, generally held the most influential position within this combination due to its extensive global network and news contributions.

How did Reuters handle the news of the Berlin Wall's erection and breach?

Reuters was the first to report the erection of the Berlin Wall in 1961. Later, in 1989, Reuters published the first story about the Berlin Wall being breached.

What was the nature of the accusation of collaboration with the CIA against Reuters in 1977?

In 1977, publications like Rolling Stone and The New York Times reported that Reuters had cooperated with the CIA, based on information from CIA officials. Reuters' management requested evidence, which was reportedly not provided.

What is the Reuters policy on reporting climate change?

A former Reuters climate change correspondent resigned in 2013, alleging that coverage became more difficult and his role was abolished after comments from a deputy editor-in-chief suggesting climate change was not a major story unless policy shifted significantly. He also noted that unrelated climate skeptic viewpoints were sometimes added to stories.

What happened when Reuters published a story about an Indian cyber firm in June 2020?

Reuters published an exclusive story titled 'Obscure Indian cyber firm spied on politicians, investors worldwide.' The report incorrectly used the image of an Indian herbal medicine entrepreneur, leading to his interrogation by police. Reuters later admitted the error, stating it was a case of mistaken identity.

How did the UK government fund Reuters' expansion into the Middle East?

In the 1960s and 1970s, the UK Foreign Office, through its Information Research Department (IRD), provided funding to Reuters for Middle East expansion. This was done by the BBC paying for enhanced subscriptions, which the Treasury would later reimburse, to avoid the suspicious accounting of a shell company previously used for Latin American funding.

What was the outcome of the conviction of Reuters journalists Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo in Myanmar?

Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were convicted of obtaining state secrets in Myanmar in 2018. They were sentenced to seven years in prison, but were released on May 7, 2019, after 511 days following a presidential pardon. Their case drew international condemnation as an attack on press freedom.

What is the Reuters Trust and what was its purpose?

The Reuters Trust was formed in 1947 when Reuters expanded its co-ownership to include Australian and New Zealand newspaper associations. The Trust Principles were established to maintain the company's independence and integrity.

When did Thomson Reuters delist from the London Stock Exchange and NASDAQ?

Thomson Reuters delisted its shares from the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and NASDAQ in 2009. It subsequently listed its shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

What was the initial method used by Paul Reuter for his prototype news service in Aachen?

Before moving to London, Paul Reuter developed a prototype news service in Aachen in 1850 that utilized homing pigeons and electric telegraphy to transmit messages between Brussels and Aachen starting in 1851.

What is the significance of the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles?

The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles were put in place to ensure the independence and integrity of Reuters' news operations, particularly after the company structure changed in 1947 and later with the Thomson Reuters merger.

How did Reuters' share price perform during the dot-com boom?

Reuters' share price experienced growth during the dot-com boom, but it subsequently declined following banking troubles in 2001.

What specific Pulitzer Prizes did Reuters win in 2024, and for what work?

In 2024, Reuters won the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for their investigation into Elon Musk and misconduct within his companies (SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink). They also won the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography for their coverage of the Gaza war.

What was the Reuters policy regarding the use of the term 'terrorist'?

Reuters policy stated that the agency could refer to terrorism and counterterrorism in general without attribution, but would not use the word 'terrorist' to qualify specific individuals, groups, or events unless attributed. This approach aimed for neutrality but drew criticism.

What happened in May 2016 concerning journalist data and Reuters?

In May 2016, the Ukrainian website Myrotvorets published the names and personal data of thousands of journalists, including Reuters reporters. This was done in response to journalists being accredited by separatist-controlled regions in eastern Ukraine.

What was the nature of the controversy surrounding Reuters' partnership with TASS in 2022?

In 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Reuters' partnership with the Russian news agency TASS came under scrutiny. Reuters staff expressed frustration and embarrassment, leading Reuters to remove TASS from its 'Reuters Connect' program, citing a misalignment with the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

What allegations were made against Reuters regarding its coverage of the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict?

Reuters was accused of bias against Israel in its coverage of the 2006 conflict after using two doctored photographs provided by a Lebanese freelance photographer. Reuters subsequently severed ties with the photographer and removed his images from its database.

What was the Reuters response when a Canadian newspaper chain edited its articles to include the word 'terrorist'?

When CanWest Global Communications edited Reuters articles to insert the word 'terrorist,' Reuters asked the chain to remove the agency's bylines. A Reuters spokesman stated the action was taken to protect reporters and maintain editorial integrity.

What is the significance of the Thomson Reuters Foundation?

The Thomson Reuters Foundation is a philanthropic foundation associated with Thomson Reuters. Its website is provided as an external link in the article.

What was the initial reaction to Reuters' reporting on the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid?

Reuters faced criticism for cropping knives held by activists and blood from photographs taken during the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid. Reuters stated that cropping was standard procedure and replaced the images with their original versions after the issue was raised.

What did David Fogarty, a former Reuters climate correspondent, report about the agency's coverage?

David Fogarty resigned after nearly 20 years with Reuters, stating that climate change stories became harder to publish and that his role was abolished. He suggested that comments from a deputy editor-in-chief indicated skepticism towards climate science and that the agency's focus shifted based on policy changes rather than the urgency of the issue.

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About Reuters

The Agency

Reuters is a premier international news agency, currently operating as a division under the ownership of Thomson Reuters.^[4] It stands as one of the largest and most influential news organizations globally, renowned for its extensive reach and timely reporting.

Global Reach

With a vast network encompassing approximately 200 locations worldwide, Reuters employs around 2,500 journalists and 600 photojournalists. They disseminate news in 16 languages, ensuring comprehensive coverage across diverse geographical and linguistic boundaries.^[6]

Market Presence

As of December 2024, Reuters ranks among the most visited news websites globally, attracting over 105 million monthly readers, underscoring its significant digital footprint and audience engagement.^[9]

Historical Trajectory

Founding and Early Years

Founded in London in October 1851 by Paul Julius Reuter, the agency initially focused on commercial news for financial institutions.^[11] Reuter utilized innovative technologies like homing pigeons and electric telegraphy, establishing a foundation for rapid information dissemination.^[10]

Expansion and Influence

By 1858, Reuters began serving newspapers, quickly gaining recognition for its ability to report international news, including being the first to report Abraham Lincoln's assassination in Europe in 1865.^[11] The formation of the "Ring Combination" with French and German agencies in 1870 solidified its European influence.^[15]

Technological Adaptation

Throughout the 20th century, Reuters embraced new technologies, pioneering radio transmission in 1923 and venturing into computer-based financial data transmission in the 1960s.^[13]^[11] Its public listing in 1984 marked a significant transition, enabling further growth and technological investment.^[18]

Thomson Reuters Era

In 2008, Reuters Group plc was acquired by Canada's Thomson Corporation, leading to the formation of Thomson Reuters.^[8] This merger integrated financial data services with the established news agency operations, creating a global information powerhouse headquartered in Toronto.

The Journalists

Workforce and Standards

Reuters maintains a global team of approximately 2,500 journalists and 600 photojournalists across roughly 200 locations. The agency adheres to strict "Standards and Values," emphasizing integrity, accuracy, speed, and impartiality to uphold its reputation for reliability.^[30]

Honoring the Fallen

Tragically, many Reuters journalists have lost their lives while reporting from conflict zones and dangerous assignments. These individuals, including Kenneth Stonehouse, Kurt Schork, Taras Protsyuk, and Danish Siddiqui, exemplify the risks inherent in global news gathering.^[26] Their contributions are honored through various awards and memorials.

The following table lists some journalists killed on assignment:

Name	Nationality	Location	Date	Responsible Party
Kenneth Stonehouse	British	Bay of Biscay	1 June 1943	German Aircraft
Dan Eldon	Kenyan	Somalia	12 July 1993
Kurt Schork	American	Sierra Leone	24 May 2000
Taras Protsyuk	Ukrainian	Iraq	8 April 2003	U.S. troops
Mazen Dana	Palestinian	Iraq	17 August 2003	U.S. troops
Adlan Khasanov	Russian	Chechnya	9 May 2004	Chechen Separatists
Namir Noor-Eldeen	Iraqi	Iraq	12 July 2007	U.S. military Apache helicopter
Saeed Chmagh	Iraqi	Iraq	12 July 2007	U.S. military Apache helicopter
Fadel Shana'a	Palestinian	Gaza Strip	16 April 2008	Israeli Troops
Hiro Muramoto	Japanese	Thailand	10 April 2010	Thai Troops
Molhem Barakat	Syrian	Syria	20 December 2013	Syrian Forces/Rebels
Danish Siddiqui	Indian	Afghanistan	16 July 2021	Taliban
Issam Abdallah	Lebanese	Lebanon	13 October 2023	Israeli Troops

Recognition

Reuters journalists have received numerous accolades, including multiple Pulitzer Prizes, for their impactful reporting. Notable awards include the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting for their work on Elon Musk's businesses and the Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography for coverage of the Gaza war.^[26]

Points of Contention

CIA Allegations

In 1977, reports surfaced suggesting Reuters' cooperation with the CIA. Reuters' management at the time requested evidence, which was reportedly not provided, leading to ongoing debate about the extent of any collaboration.^[47]

Objective Language Policy

Reuters maintains a policy of value-neutral language, notably avoiding the term "terrorist" without attribution. This stance drew criticism, particularly after the September 11 attacks, as it was perceived by some as downplaying certain events.^[52] The agency asserts this policy protects editorial integrity.^[54]

Climate Reporting Concerns

Former Reuters climate correspondent David Fogarty resigned in 2013, citing a perceived shift away from climate change reporting and editorial skepticism. Reuters stated its commitment to covering the story with dedicated staff.^[55]

Photographic Issues

Reuters faced criticism for using doctored photographs during the 2006 Lebanon conflict and for cropping images from the 2010 Gaza flotilla raid. The agency severed ties with the photographer involved in the first incident and revised its procedures for image handling.^[62]^[65]

Indian Journalist Allegations

In 2020, Reuters incorrectly identified an Indian entrepreneur as a wanted hacker. The agency admitted the error, which led to the individual facing police interrogation. Reuters requested the removal of related posts, citing mistaken identity.^[66] Later, in 2023, a Reuters journalist's Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status was revoked by India, alleging unauthorized journalistic activities.^[78]

TASS Partnership

Reuters' partnership with Russian agency TASS came under scrutiny following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Citing the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles, Reuters removed TASS from its content marketplace, deeming the association misaligned with its values.^[76]

Fossil Fuel Advertising

An investigation highlighted Reuters' role in publishing fossil fuel industry advertisements. Journalists expressed concern that conflicts of interest could undermine the credibility of climate change reporting.^[77]

UK Government Funding

Documents revealed that the UK Foreign Office provided funding to Reuters in the 1960s and 1970s for Middle East expansion. While direct editorial control was disclaimed, the agreement aimed for political influence.^[72]

Gaza Reporting Criticism

In August 2025, a photojournalist resigned, accusing Reuters of perpetuating Israeli propaganda regarding the Gaza war and allegedly misrepresenting a journalist as a Hamas operative. The resignation also highlighted the deaths of journalists, including a Reuters cameraman, in Gaza.^[80]

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References

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Reuters: Chronicle of Global News

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

About Reuters 📰

🏢 The Agency

🌍 Global Reach

📊 Market Presence

Historical Trajectory ⏳

📜 Founding and Early Years

🌐 Expansion and Influence

💻 Technological Adaptation

🤝 Thomson Reuters Era

The Journalists 🧑‍💼

👥 Workforce and Standards

🕊️ Honoring the Fallen

🏆 Recognition

Points of Contention ⚠️

🕵️ CIA Allegations

⚖️ Objective Language Policy

🌍 Climate Reporting Concerns

📸 Photographic Issues

🇮🇳 Indian Journalist Allegations

🇷🇺 TASS Partnership

⛽ Fossil Fuel Advertising

🇬🇧 UK Government Funding

🇵🇸 Gaza Reporting Criticism

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Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About Reuters

The Agency

Global Reach

Market Presence

Historical Trajectory

Founding and Early Years

Expansion and Influence

Technological Adaptation

Thomson Reuters Era

The Journalists

Workforce and Standards

Honoring the Fallen

Recognition

Points of Contention

CIA Allegations

Objective Language Policy

Climate Reporting Concerns

Photographic Issues

Indian Journalist Allegations

TASS Partnership

Fossil Fuel Advertising

UK Government Funding

Gaza Reporting Criticism

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice