Sister newspaper illum is one year old today. The only independent Maltese-language newspaper has experienced an incredible growth rate in its first year of existence, achieving a maket share that is normally acquired by a newspaper over a three year period.

Over the past year the newspaper has grown from strength to strength, with investigative stories, political and social analysis and general interest articles that appeal to a wide audience.

Commenting on the success of the newspaper, illum editor Kurt Sansone said: “For the first time in many years people can read in Maltese news stories and analysis that are a cut above the writings in other Maltese-language newspapers. Illum’s strength lies in its independence from institutions and political parties giving us the ability to present all sides of the story and uncovering the uncomfortable truth politicians and people in authority would prefer remain burried.”

With a progressive editorial policy, illum has also highlighted the plight of minority groups. Journalist Julia Farrugia even won the award for diversity presented by the European Commission for her work on the problems faced by transexuals.

The newspaper has also developed a good reputation for sports related stories and interviews with both domestic and foreign personalities.

“We are celebrating our first year by giving readers the chance to win a weekend break to Eurodisney. But we do not intend to stop and look back at our success. Our sights are firmly set on the future and we intend to shoulder the responsibility placed upon us by our readers to be the only Maltese-language newspaper with a ‘say it as it is’ attitude,” Sansone said.