Ben Lowry is no longer the editor of the News Letter. The outspoken commentator was removed from his position without explanation. 

Mr Lowry had spent 19 years at what is the world's oldest continuously published English language daily newspaper. 

The 288-year-old unionist paper now appears to be drifting without an editor at the helm. 

The Belfast Telegraph has been told that staff are shocked and dismayed by the departure but the paper’s new owner has declined to answer questions about what is going on amid claims there was a row about possible Irish Government funding. 

I’m joined by the Belfast Telegraph’s Northern Ireland editor, and former political editor at the News Letter, Sam McBride. 

The BelTel brings you some of Northern Ireland's top journalists, Allison Morris, Sam McBride and Suzanne Breen to name but a few, giving you the inside stories behind what is in the news. Presented by Ciarán Dunbar, the Bel Tel investigates, debates and informs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.