Berita Harian to go compact in 2026 as part of newsroom transformation

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Malay-language daily Berita Harian (BH) will switch its print edition from a broadsheet to a compact format in the first quarter of 2026, marking the next stage in its ongoing transformation to reach new audiences and better engage existing readers.

The revamp follows surveys and focus group discussions with readers and stakeholders, which revealed a strong preference for a smaller, more user-friendly format. “The switch from broadsheet to a compact-sized newspaper marks an important milestone in Berita Harian’s transformation journey,” said Mohd Nazry Mokhtar, editor of BH.

“It’s not just a change in format, but part of our broader newsroom evolution – to deliver journalism that is more accessible, engaging, and relevant for today’s readers. Even as we embrace new storytelling forms and digital innovations, our mission remains steadfast: to inform, inspire, and empower the Malay/Muslim community through credible and trusted journalism," he added.

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The compact BH will feature a fresh design, broader editorial coverage, and enhanced access to digital content. Readers will be able to scan more QR codes to access videos, podcasts and special reports. The newspaper will also provide more in-depth news analyses and opinion pieces, alongside listicles and news briefs for quick updates.

Lifestyle coverage will be strengthened, giving greater prominence to BH’s core pillars. Kaki Makan will continue to explore Singapore’s food culture, highlighting must-try dishes, hidden gems, and the people who keep culinary traditions alive. Dunia Anak (DNA) will provide practical advice and insights on child-rearing, covering topics from education and play to family relationships. Kaki Jalan will offer travel stories and tips, both within Singapore and abroad, for readers with a curious and adventurous spirit. Meanwhile, Bahasa & Budaya will feature discussions on the Malay language and cultural heritage, delving into customs, history, and the arts to celebrate and preserve the community’s identity.

“Berita Harian’s refreshed format for its newspaper marks two years of transformation that has seen the newsroom embrace new ways of storytelling across text, online, video, podcasts and on social media,” added Wong Wei Kong, editor-in-chief of SPH Media’s English/Malay/Tamil Media group. “This has allowed BH to reach more and new audiences, and raise its impact. We believe the new compact newspaper will also increase its appeal to print readers.”

BH’s print evolution follows decades of digital innovation, including the launch of its digital edition cyBerita in 1996, the BeritaHarian.sg website in 2013, a website translation tool in 2020, and the 2023 rollout of a digital-first newsroom workflow, refreshed social media content, and new podcasts such as BHerbual and Kaki Bola. In 2024, BH launched OMGxBH to engage younger readers and was recently recognised as 2nd runner-up in the INMA Global Awards for Best Newsroom Transformation.

The compact format is designed to preserve BH’s legacy while embracing modern storytelling and digital integration, continuing its mission to inform, inspire and empower the Malay/Muslim community.

The transformation of BH is part of SPH Media’s broader strategy to modernise its news and digital platforms in Singapore. Most recently, the company merged The New Paper (TNP) and Stomp under a refreshed website launched on 30 October, combining bold journalism with community-driven storytelling.

The merger retains the Stomp masthead while introducing new features to engage younger audiences, alongside long-time readers. SPH Media described the move as the next step in refreshing its digital products and strengthening the relevance of its brands.

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