Margaret Canning: The Voice of Business Journalism in Northern Ireland
Exploring the Career, Influence, and Legacy of Belfast Telegraph's Business Editor Margaret Canning

Margaret Canning is a distinguished Northern Irish journalist best known for her role as Business Editor at the Belfast Telegraph, where she has built a reputation for delivering authoritative and insightful coverage of the region’s economic landscape. With over a decade of experience and a 2024 Business Journalist of the Year award to her name, Canning’s reporting goes beyond headlines—she provides in-depth analysis of industrial, financial, and social shifts affecting Northern Ireland. Her work influences business leaders, policymakers, and readers across the country, positioning her as a powerful voice in contemporary journalism.
Early Life and Educational Background
Margaret Canning’s journey into journalism is rooted in a strong academic foundation. She studied law and French at Queen’s University Belfast, graduating in 1998. This combination of legal and linguistic training laid the groundwork for the analytical thinking and communication skills that would define her later work. Her passion for media led her to pursue a journalism qualification from Ulster University—a decision that would steer her toward an impactful career in Northern Ireland’s media industry.
Entry into Journalism and Rise at Belfast Telegraph
Canning began her professional journalism career in 2007 when she joined the Belfast Telegraph, one of Northern Ireland’s most respected newspapers. Starting out in general reporting, she quickly carved out a niche in business journalism. Her ability to distill complex economic topics into accessible and engaging stories earned her a growing readership and increasing editorial responsibilities. Over time, her credibility, consistency, and storytelling flair led to her appointment as Business Editor—a role in which she has thrived.
Breaking Stories and Industry Impact
Throughout her career, Margaret Canning has been at the forefront of major business developments in Northern Ireland. She has delivered exclusive reports on critical transactions, including the high-profile sale of UTV plc’s television arm to ITV. She also broke the story of the controversial acquisition of Belfast’s Crumlin Road Courthouse by Orange Order figure David Mahon. These stories didn’t just inform—they sparked conversations, challenged assumptions, and held powerful stakeholders accountable.
Her reporting isn’t limited to corporate transactions. Canning has delved into issues ranging from retail collapses and rising unemployment to the challenges facing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Northern Ireland. By highlighting both macroeconomic trends and micro-level business stories, she offers readers a holistic view of the evolving commercial landscape.
Business Journalist of the Year 2024
In 2024, Margaret Canning was named Business Journalist of the Year at the Northern Ireland Media Awards—a testament to her exceptional contributions to journalism. The judges praised her for her breadth of coverage, the exclusivity of her scoops, and her consistent commitment to factual integrity. This award further cemented her position as a thought leader in Northern Irish media.
Winning such an accolade reflects more than just headline-worthy stories. It acknowledges her deep research, investigative rigor, and the role she plays in shaping public discourse around business and economic development. Her reporting goes beyond traditional journalism—it drives policy debates and influences corporate strategies.
Signature Initiatives at Belfast Telegraph
As Business Editor, Canning doesn’t merely write; she curates and leads a wide range of initiatives that recognize and celebrate Northern Ireland’s business ecosystem. Among her most prominent projects are:
Belfast Telegraph Business Awards: Recognizing excellence across various industries in NI.
IT Awards: Highlighting innovation and technological advancement in the region.
Top 100 Companies List: Offering a definitive guide to the region’s biggest and most impactful companies.
30 Under 30: A spotlight on emerging leaders and rising stars in Northern Ireland’s professional world.
These programs not only engage the community but also foster a culture of innovation, recognition, and growth. They position the Belfast Telegraph as more than just a news outlet—it becomes a central player in the business fabric of the region.
Focus on Economic, Industrial, and Social Dynamics
What sets Margaret Canning apart is her ability to merge economic reporting with broader social commentary. She covers how inflation, taxation, interest rates, and policy decisions impact ordinary citizens, not just corporations. Whether reporting on job losses in rural areas or investment inflows into urban centers, her work maintains a strong human element.
Moreover, she closely follows industry-specific developments in real estate, retail, hospitality, and tech—sectors crucial to the Northern Irish economy. Her balanced approach ensures that business journalism remains relevant, inclusive, and informative to a wide readership.
Mentorship and Influence Within Journalism
Beyond her reporting, Canning serves as a role model for aspiring journalists, especially women entering the field of business journalism—a traditionally male-dominated niche. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and fearless approach to storytelling provide a blueprint for ethical and impactful reporting.
In interviews and public forums, she often emphasizes the importance of accuracy, fairness, and accountability. She encourages young journalists to ask tough questions and dive deep into data—not just for the sake of headlines, but to uncover truths that matter.
Business Journalism in a Digital Era
In today’s digital-first media landscape, Canning has successfully adapted to changing audience preferences. Under her editorial guidance, the Belfast Telegraph‘s business section has embraced online publishing strategies, including:
Quick turnaround digital exclusives
Multimedia features including infographics and video snippets
Strong social media presence to broaden readership and engagement
These changes help the Belfast Telegraph maintain its relevance and appeal to a new generation of readers while staying true to its journalistic roots.
The Broader Impact on Northern Ireland
Margaret Canning’s journalism plays a vital role in informing public policy. When government agencies or business councils seek feedback on proposed economic reforms or infrastructure investments, her articles are often among the first reference points. She offers a bridge between the public, the private sector, and policymakers—creating informed conversations that lead to better decision-making.
From covering Brexit’s impact on NI trade to examining local responses to global inflation, she provides the critical analysis needed to navigate uncertain times. Her journalism doesn’t merely reflect events; it shapes the way they are interpreted and responded to.
Why Margaret Canning’s Work Matters Today
In an age where misinformation and clickbait often dominate headlines, Margaret Canning’s journalism stands as a beacon of trust. Her work is factual, deeply researched, and grounded in the realities of the Northern Irish economy. She gives a voice to businesses of all sizes and holds influential figures accountable—making her one of the most respected names in regional journalism.
With challenges like post-Brexit trade complications, energy crises, and a shifting employment landscape, the need for authoritative business journalism has never been greater. And Margaret Canning continues to meet that need with professionalism, clarity, and impact.
Conclusion
Margaret Canning is not just a journalist; she is a storyteller, a watchdog, and an economic analyst rolled into one. Her influence as Business Editor of the Belfast Telegraph spans across industries and audiences, impacting everything from boardroom decisions to government policymaking. With more than a decade of work behind her and new accolades still arriving, she remains a driving force in business journalism.
In an ever-changing world, voices like hers are essential—not just to understand what’s happening in the economy, but to shape what comes next. Whether you’re a business leader, policy expert, or everyday reader, Margaret Canning’s work provides the clarity and depth needed to navigate Northern Ireland’s economic future with confidence.