Morgunblaðið - Iceland's most prominent newspaper since 1913 has Icelandic news in English.

Morgunblaðið or “The Morning Paper” in English is arguably Iceland's most prominent and enduring newspaper. Founded in 1913, it has been a constant presence in Icelandic society for over a century, chronicling the nation's journey from a Danish territory to a modern, independent republic. Its history is deeply intertwined with the country's political and social development, and its evolution reflects the broader changes in the global media landscape.

Guðjón Veigar Norðfjörð Guðmundsson (my Pabbi) reading the morning paper, Iceland's Morgunblaðið

Morgunblaðið was established on November 2, 1913, by a group of Icelandic businessmen and politicians. Its founders were Vilhjálmur Finsen and Ólafur Björnsson. A notable detail is that Ólafur Björnsson was the younger brother of Sveinn Björnsson, who would become Iceland's first president in 1944.  The paper was created with a clear mission: to support the Icelandic independence movement and provide a platform for nationalist thought. During this period, the newspaper played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of national identity as Iceland moved closer to full sovereignty. To which we are certain Jón Sigurðsson  who was the key Icelandic leader to spearhead Iceland's peaceful struggle for independence from Danish rule in the 19th century would have been been happy about.

Following World War II and Iceland's declaration of full independence in 1944, Morgunblaðið  solidified its position as the country's largest newspaper. Its close ties to the Independence Party, which frequently held power, gave it unparalleled access and influence. The paper's editorial line consistently championed free-market principles, NATO membership, and close relations with the United States, aligning with the party's platform. This era saw Morgunblaðið become a cultural institution, with its daily publication reaching the majority of Icelandic households. It was not just a source of news but also a key forum for national debate, opinion pieces, and cultural commentary.

The late 20th and early 21st centuries presented a new set of challenges for Morgunblaðið. The rise of the internet and digital media dramatically changed how people consumed news. In response, the newspaper launched its online version mbl.is, in 1998. And for those abroad they now have an English version called the Iceland Monitor, you can read it HERE. 

The path of Morgunblaðið is a microcosm of Iceland's own modern history. It began as a voice for independence, grew into a dominant force in a newly sovereign nation, and has since navigated the seismic shifts of the digital age.  Morgunblaðið has maintained its status as a central pillar of Icelandic journalism.