The printing technology, method of acquiring news and the political climate have changed beyond recognition since the first edition of the Times of Malta was published exactly 80 years ago today.

But three elements have remained steadfast constants throughout the years: the newspaper’s upholding of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

Times of Malta was practically the only source of contact with the outside world during the war.

Political violence against the Times of Malta made it steel itself over the years, according to former editor Victor Aquilina, who first joined the organisation in 1964 and served as editor between 1993 and 2003.

For many years, the newspaper reported Parliament extensively, almost Hansard-like, he recalled. The parliamentary pages had a great following, as they not only informed readers of what was happening, but also projected the atmosphere in the House.

There is now no longer a need to report Parliament in this way, since Parliament can now be followed through the internet, radio or television.

For many years, the newspaper gave more prominence to foreign news than to local news on the front page, Mr Aquilina added. This was heavily criticised at the time, but editor Mabel Strickland wanted to encourage readers to learn about what was happening away from the island.

We have no intention of resting on our laurels. Anyone who does that today risks premature death

But with the advent of greater means of communication, this policy became outdated and the newspaper changed with the times, putting the local news on the front page as well.

From 1993, the Times of Malta stopped accepting letters to the editor under a nom de plume, a practice that had been adopted during the war. Writing under one’s name promotes greater responsibility and accountability.

Times of Malta founder Mabel Strickland during the war.

Over the years, the newspaper has vastly increased its readership due to rising standards of education, according to former editor of The Sunday Times of Malta Laurence Grech.

Mr Grech first joined in 1963 and served as editor between 1991 and 2007.

“I joke that we went from the Stone Age to the computer age,” Mr Grech smiled.

In the printing press, lines of type in lead were put together in a page on a bench called ‘the stone’ before the advent of desktop publishing.

“Technology has also put great pressure on reporters. Whereas before they had the time to play around with their story and check the facts, nowadays deadlines are very stringent and many upload their stories online from the place of action.”

Content editor Ray Bugeja, who first joined in 1980 and served as editor from 1990 to 1993 and 2003 to 2012, recalled the dearth of local, apolitical news.

The political climate was a harsh one and people were reluctant to be open.

“I once was covering a fishermen’s protest in the early 1980s. I was asking them questions which reflected badly on the Labour government of the time. I was being rounded up and it was thanks to then agriculture minister Freddie Micallef that I was not beaten up.

“He called me to his office as soon as he realised that the situation was getting out of hand.”

Editor-in-chief Steve Mallia, who first joined in 1998, outlined how the newspaper has evolved from a one-dimensional printed product to a multi-faceted media producer.

“We have a highly successful website, a good app for tablets and mobile phones, as well as a weekly television programme, Times Talk.

“However, we have no intention of resting on our laurels. Anyone who does that today risks premature death. So we’ll continue to drive forward and embrace the challenges and opportunities that rapidly developing technology has to offer – hoping stay in the lead while at the same time retaining the values that have made the Times of Malta what it is.”