The final edition of the News Of The World, which is 72 pages long with a 48-page pullout, has a print run of five million in anticipation of huge demand.In a full-page editorial on page three, the paper covers its history and what it set out to achieve.While highlighting its triumphs, it also includes an apology for hacking phones, telling readers: “We praised high standards, we demanded high standards.”But, as we are now only too painfully aware, for a period of a few years up to 2006 some who worked for us, or in our name, fell shamefully short of those standards.“Quite simply, we lost our way. Phones were hacked, and for that this newspaper is truly sorry.”There is no justification for this appalling wrongdoing. No justification for the pain caused to victims, nor for the deep stain it has left on a great history.”Yet when this outrage has been atoned, we hope history will eventually judge us on all our years.”Bidding farewell to its readers after 168 years with the simple words “Thank you & goodbye, ” the 8,674th edition of the tabloid features the headline emblazoned over images of its most famous front pages.A sub-headline reads: “After 168 years, we finally say a sad but very proud farewell to our 7.5m loyal readers.”
And in the top right corner are the words: “The world’s greatest newspaper 1843-2011.”The closing issue features much celebration of the best scoops and greatest campaigns that have helped the newspaper make its mark over the years.Inside the paper is a 48-page souvenir pullout featuring some of the tabloid’s most memorable splashes, such as last year’s expose of alleged match fixing involving Pakistan international cricketers.Other front page news stories it displays include the coronation of King George VI, the confessions of Christine Keeler and the Profumo affair and England winning the 1966 World Cup.
Elsewhere in the paper, investigations editor Mazher Mahmood, famed for his undercover stings as the “fake sheikh”, pays tribute to the News Of The World’s achievements in helping bring criminals to justice.And campaigner Sara Payne praises the paper for being a “force for good” and a driving force behind the call for Sarah’s Law.Another page celebrates the “always tasteful Nudes of the World”, with images of the likes of Kelly Brook, Lily Allen and fuller-figured pop star Beth Ditto adorning the page. – Skynews
