Penguin News - Voice of the Falklands for 25 years

By Rob Burnett
October 2004

The first copies of Penguin News went on sale twenty five years ago this week. Islander Graham Bound sensed a gap in the market and decided a new Falkland Islands newspaper was needed. Penguin News was created and has, save for a few rare silences, been with us ever since. October 3, 1979 saw the publication of the first issue of this paper. To date, seven different editors have been at the helm of the paper with numerous deputy editors, columnists and typists contributing over the years.

Graham ran the paper for the first seven years and during that time covered many local events including what is certainly the biggest news story in the Islands to date: the Argentine invasion of 1982. The last issues before the invading forces arrived features a hastily compiled itinerary of the events taking place at the time on South Georgia - what we now know to have been a prelude to the invasion of the Falklands themselves. While Graham reports that, "Falklanders grow impatient at lack of British action," there was no mention in the article that invasion was imminent.

The paper was not produced throughout the conflict but returned after liberation by British forces with the favour "Victory" front cover issue designed by Joe King. There is a real sense of optimism in the issues published immediately after the conflict about the future of the Islands as Graham's editorial of July 16, 1982 demonstrates, "There is a dominant feeling around the Falklands these days that we must make sure that this is a turning point in our history. The Penguin News supports that belief."

This growing optimism looks justified when, in December 1982, the Penguin News' banner headline triumphantly reads, "£31 million in aid over 6 years! New industry, roads and jetty." Similarly, the paper reports in July of 1983, "The news that a new airport capable of taking wide bodied aircraft is to be built on the March Ridge west of Fitzroy along with a linking road to Stanley, is the best news that Islanders have heard for many a day. This is the first really permanent structure to be built and underlines the British Government's commitment to hold on to these Islands." I doubt Graham envisaged that the road mentioned would still not be finished a full 21 years later!

In 1986, Graham handed over the reins to Belinda Caminada who, according to the front page of her first issue, was "…. a Londoner who grew a little tired of the hustle and bustle of the big smoke." Belinda's arrival was essential in keeping the paper alive, and she reported that most important development in our economic growth, the setting up of the Falklands fisheries zone and the allocation of the first licences for vessels operating in it. Her editorial of December 19, 1986 wishes all readers a Merry Christmas and says "We are on the threshold of a new and valuable enterprise. What a Christmas present!"

Miss Caminda was the first editor to introduce "The voice of the Falklands" banner under the Penguin News masthead which remained in use until mid 1995. After a year and four months in the challenging role of Penguin News editor, Miss Caminada returned to the UK and now works for the BBC World Service.

The next stage of the paper's life was truly revolutionary. Restricted by lack of funds and time, Graham Bound and Belinda Caminada's efforts in producing the paper had been remarkable. However, armed with funding from the ill fated Seamount company, the new editor Rory Macleod gave the paper a more professional look as he was able to get Penguin News printed for the very first time. The basic layout of Rory's first edition in 1988 remains the basis of the current set up still used today. Mr Macleod edited the paper for just under a year and his departure was a result of the problems of Penguin News' parent company, Seamount Limited.

There followed another break in publication of about eight months before another incarnation, complete with new penguin logo in the banner, appeared. The Falkland Islands Government bought the paper when Seamount Limited was wound up and installed an editorial board and new editor, Mr Jim Stevens. Since the first issue of this new series on November 3, 1989, Penguin News has been in production constantly. Mr Stevens doubled production of the paper, taking it from a fortnightly to a weekly publication.

By now, the Penguin News was independent and regulated by the Media Trust and in 1994, former Superintendent of Education and Headmaster of Darwin School, John Fowler became the fifth editor of the paper. Mr Fowler implemented several changes during his two and a half year period in charge. Most significantly, he reintroduced the editorial comment piece to the paper.

Mr Fowler's deputy editor, Lisa Riddell took over in 1996 and also made a number of improvements. Lisa expanded the paper from 12 to 20 pages and began reporting stories from South America. Lisa's time as editor coincided with the controversial Anglo / Argentine Joint Statement in July 1999 which ended the ban on Argentine citizens entering the Islands.

Today the Penguin News is an entirely independent publication, still regulated by the Media Trust, but it now receives no funding from government. Current editor Jenny Cockwell took over in 2003 after being deputy for some three years. Diversity and versatility have to be the watch words of any Penguin News reporter as the paper has to cover everything from shipping movements and farming issues to Royal visits and high level international diplomacy; but it is precisely this varied mix that makes Penguin News a great place to work, and hopefully a worthwhile read.

Belinda Caminada

People always asked me when I was preparing to go there and ever since, why I went to the Falklands. The answer is a mix of curiosity and desperation. I had had a bad couple of years in London, dealing with a series of tragedies, and was desperate for an escape. As I was having little luck in London developing my career as a journalist, I resolved to find a newspaper job somewhere, anywhere, abroad. I wrote to almost every English speaking newspaper in the world and waiting for the replies, happily envisaging myself working in the Pacific, under a Fijian palm tree perhaps, or Australia….

Then I received a letter from Graham Bound which, compared to the cautious possibilities offered by other publications, sounded more like a cry for help. He would be delighted if I could work on the Penguin News. In fact, he wondered, could I run it because he was far too busy helping his mother in her shop and he felt strongly that it was an important time for the Islands' to have a regular paper.

Looking back, it was exactly the break away I needed, trying to run a newspaper for a community I knew nothing about and having a lot to learn in a short period.

I expected the Falkland Islanders to dismiss me as an impertinent outsider but, despite a pair of old women muttering that I must be an Argentinian spy with that surname of mine, most people proved tolerant and supportive. I have particularly strong memories of my first home there, renting a room from Malcolm and Susan Binnie whose quiet kindness, humour and dignity I still regard as the best of the Falkland spirit.

Despite my determination, producing the Penguin News single-handed often proved a struggle. A struggle to survive on the measly takings but more particularly a struggle to produce every edition on the antiquated "roneo" reproduction machine which more often than not required manual cranking of every page and a special skill with elastic bands and string to hold it all together.

On one occasion, I had laboured for the whole day to lay out the front page of an edition only to find, on returning from a tea break, that my cat Gizmo, coming in from the garden, had walked across the master copy - leaving a neat, clear set of paw prints right across the headlines. It was, literally, back to the drawing board and the cat was sacked from his duties as an editorial assistant.

Another vivid memory is the day a telex arrived from the United Nations, asking for 1,000 copies of the latest edition to be rushed to New York so that members could study the latest news ahead of a UN debate on the Islands. Due to another crisis of string and rubber bands, I was able to send only ten copies….

I found it could be a lonely job, having no one with whom to discuss editorial decisions. Nor to share the sometimes acute pressure when, as on a few occasions, I published controversial editorials and articles. Over all, however, I enjoyed my time in the Falkland Islands and when I left in 1989 I was relieved and encouraged by the fact that, at last, FIDC had agreed to invest in some modern printing equipment without which the paper had no future.

I'm delighted but not at all surprised to hear that Penguin News is thriving. I'm sure it continues to provide a vital forum for debate and sharing information which is particularly important in a small community, to counter the distortions of rumour and hearsay. I feel honoured to have been part of the exclusive Penguin News club and wish it all the best for the future.

Rory Macleod

It seems like a lifetime ago since I was editor of Penguin News. I cannot believe it was 16 years ago when I headed south to Stanley on what was to be an incredible adventure. In truth I suppose I should admit I was ill-prepared to be an editor of a publication which, in importance, particularly at that time, punched above its weight. It still does, and it amazes me so many people around the world know of the Penguin News and have seen a copy at some stage.

So what of my ever-so-brief tenure of the editorship of the Penguin News? Before I go any further, let me say that there is never a week goes by that I don't think about the Falklands in some shape or form. The place has a habit of getting under your skin and never leaving you. It was an exciting time for the Islands in 1988-89 with so much change, development and upheaval going on, but I can truly say that it was one of the most exciting times in my life which I enjoyed immensely and which gave me a few life lessons along the way.

To fellow Scots I describe the Islands at that time as Shetland without the red tape. The emphasis was to make things happen and not to allow overbearing bureaucracy get in the way of good ideas. However, with that approach comes an element of risk and that was never better displayed than with the collapse of Seamount which was the parent company of Penguin News Limited.

Having been an investigative reporter for seven years before this I continued to work on the basis of rattling cages and seeing what fell out of the bottom. But really this post required a little more subtlety and maturity than I was probably able to bring at that stage of my own personal and career development. However, things were not helped with the collapse of the parent company, Seamount, within weeks of arrival and much of the new gear and supplies being held on board one of their vessels which was stuck in Falmouth Sound with several writs attached to her foremast!

I take comfort in the fact that many people I have spoken to since have said that at least the shock value of some of my stories and methods did make many realise that they were expected to be accountable and that there was a paper which would not just be an information sheet for government, but also a forum for healthy debate and venting of any frustrations from islanders and interested on-lookers.

There is an endless list of people who made things possible during my stay and I can't thank all of them enough. I just hope that I managed to establish something that was a little brash, did not allow 'institutions' to rest of their laurels, made islanders feel they had somewhere to put their arguments or voice opinions, and which was worth a read. I look at it now and cringe a little at the naivety of the content and the lack of shape or polish to the presentation. I have since gone on to work on large regional and national titles elsewhere and be an editor and have learnt so much more, but will always owe a debt of gratitude to the Penguin News for giving me that first overview of a complete paper.

I am not Chief Press Officer at the Scottish Executive, the civil servant institution which serves the government in Scotland, and have recently moved from looking after the Environment and Rural minister to a new post reporting direct to the Scottish Cabinet and dealing with communications in emergency situations in light of the heightened state of national security from the terrorist threat. I made the move to government after being president of the National Union of Journalists in the UK.

I have kept an eye on developments in the Falklands, even occasionally putting pen to paper when I see some twit pontificating on the Islands when they have absolutely no understanding of the people, the place, or the circumstances. The Falklands are a very special place with a fine people who are well capable of running their own affairs. It was my privilege to be able to spend time amongst them and to attempt to produce a paper which maybe represented some of their views and items they wished to see aired.

It has been immensely pleasing to see the paper continue with all the improvements in presentation and standard over the years. It is frightening to see pictures of folk now who were just small children when I was there and it just proves that time marches on. I had hoped to return to the Islands long before now, but it has not been and I still look forward to one day coming back.

Thoughts of the Islands and the Islanders still leave me with a warm glow. I have always said that if I had not had to return to the UK I would probably never have left or else have spent a much longer time there. To all I knew there, a heartfelt 'Hi Chey!' and thank you for all the outstanding memories and experiences I have from my time there. Good luck for the next 25 years of Penguin News - a publication which I was, and am, proud to have once edited.

Lisa Riddell

I had to write to wish my favourite publication a very happy 25th anniversary. I've always viewed Penguin News as absolutely vital to the population. It keeps everyone accurately informed via news, features and adverts, and it will also provide a valuable reference point for future generations in terms of accurately researching the Falklands past. I emphasise the word 'accurately' because there is always the danger in a small community that thoughts and actions can be wrongly fuelled by speculation and rumour. Thus the Editor has the responsibility of delivering the facts of a matter to the population.

Unfortunately Penguin News sometimes doesn't receive the appreciation it deserves, mainly because it can't offer up pages and pages of titillating news stories. This is due to the fact that in a small, quiet community there really isn't a great deal happening. If it is any consolation to the Penguin News editorial team, funnily enough I'm seeing the exact same situation with the news paper Cyprus Lion which caters to the forces bases in Cyprus.

The forces population isn't terribly big so the Cyprus Lion has the same problem and in turn faces exactly the same criticisms as Penguin News does in the Falklands. Again the letters page is very popular because, as with Penguin News, you never know what you're going to get. Coincidentally the same issues turn up here: disapproval of name and address withheld letters, dog poo on the pavement, complaints about housing etc. etc. The world really is the same all over.

One way of getting around the lack of news is of course to concentrate on features such as those excellent ones I've been reading in the centre pages of Penguin News in recent weeks. It may not be hard news but it's interesting and educational, and that's more than can be said for the majority of British papers which are increasingly cheap and tacky and absolutely packed with ranting comment.

I realise I should stick with the broadsheets, which are marginally better, but have you ever tried reading a broadsheet under an overhead fan …. nope? Well, it's a bit like trying to carry a box of Penguin News to the Post Office in a Force eight gale - not much fun.

Media Consultant David Scott

Belated congratulations on your 25th anniversary. By pure coincidence the same week I gave a talk to Exeter Rotary Club on my three trips to the Islands. It must have gone down well, because they have already invited me back to speak again! Such speaking engagements enable me to dispel many myths about what life is like on the Islands and talk up the value of making a personal visit if 'you want to enjoy peace and quiet, the wildlife, beautiful sunsets etc.'

While I was with you in March doing some consultancy work with Penguin News and FIBS I made the point that islanders are lucky to have such an outlet for their opinions. It would be a sad day indeed if such an outlet was ever to end. But they cannot take Penguin News for granted; their continued support is vital in both buying and then advertising in a newspaper which has international recognition.

I never cease to be surprised by how many people have heard of the newspaper - to a man and woman they love the title! In the UK national newspapers continue to lose sales, but the local weekly paper goes from strength to strength. People love to see their name in a newspaper, find out what their neighbours have been up to, and keep abreast of local politics and sport. Penguin News does just that and that is why it is a vital part of your community today.

Finally, while recognising the efforts of the current and past editors, let me salute those who have served and are serving on the Media Trust. They give their time unselfishly and without pay because they too believe the Falklands should have its own newspaper. Cherish what you have got and here's to the next successful 25 years.

First published in the Penguin News in October 2004 and reproduced with the kind permission of the Editor

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