I started traveling before the days of the internet and 24 hour international English language news was non-existent. If we wanted news in English, we had two choices: bring along a shortwave radio and try to pick up the BBC, or buy a copy of the International Herald Tribune.
Published for over 125 years, the International Herald Tribune, or IHT as it is referred to by many of its readers, was a constant in my travel life. Every morning on my way to breakfast, I would stop and pick up a copy. It was my information link to the world. Regardless of where I was, or what language was being spoken, the IHT helped me to feel connected to the rest of the world and in my own language.
By the time I started reading it, the paper was co-run by the New York Times and the Washington Post. The writing and reporting were excellent.
Ten years ago, the New York Times took over full ownership and very little changed.
At least with the paper. With the advancement of wifi and smartphones, newer travelers don’t rely on the paper as much as they do technology. They might be more apt to read their hometown newspaper on a tablet while outside the U.S. than they are picking up an actual international newspaper.
And the folks at the New York Times area realizing it. But they’re not doing away with the paper, just making some changes.
The big change, starting this fall, is with the name. No longer will this “journal international” be called the IHT. Instead, it’s new name will be the International New York Times. The owners say the name change will help promote their core product, the New York Times.
Call me overly nostalgic, but for me, it will always be the International Herald Tribune.
Anyone else have fond memories of the IHT?