What is The Independent, and when was it established as a printed newspaper?

The Independent is a British online newspaper that was established in 1986 as a national morning printed paper. It is often nicknamed 'The Indy'.

What significant change occurred in The Independent's format and publication in 2016?

In March 2016, The Independent ceased its print edition to become an online-only digital media company. The final printed edition was published on Saturday, March 26, 2016.

What award did The Independent receive in 2023 for its online presence?

In 2023, The Independent won the Brand of the Year Award at The Drum Awards for Online Media, recognizing its achievements in the digital space.

When was the first issue of The Independent published, and in what format?

The first issue of The Independent was published on October 7, 1986, and it debuted in a broadsheet format. This format is characterized by its large page size, often associated with traditional, high-quality newspapers.

Who were the original founders of The Independent newspaper?

The Independent was founded by three former journalists from The Daily Telegraph: Andreas Whittam Smith, Stephen Glover, and Matthew Symonds. They left their previous paper during Lord Hartwell's ownership.

What was the broader context of The Independent's launch in the 1980s regarding the newspaper industry?

The Independent launched during a period of significant change in British newspaper publishing, marked by Rupert Murdoch's challenge to print unions, culminating in the Wapping dispute. This disruption lowered production costs and created opportunities for new competitors like The Independent.

What was The Independent's initial advertising slogan and its target audience?

The Independent launched with the slogan 'It is. Are you?'. It aimed to attract readers from The Guardian, competing for centre-left readers, and The Times, positioning itself as a newspaper of record.

How did The Independent impact the British newspaper market shortly after its launch?

The Independent's arrival stimulated competition, leading to a general freshening of newspaper design across the market. It also contributed to a price war within its sector.

When did The Independent launch its Sunday edition, and what challenges did it face?

The Independent launched 'The Independent on Sunday' in 1990. Its sales were initially less than anticipated, partly due to the recent launch of a direct rival, the 'Sunday Correspondent,' which subsequently closed.

What advertising strategy did The Independent employ in the 1990s against its competitors?

During the 1990s, The Independent ran an advertising campaign that spoofed the mastheads of 'The Times' and 'The Daily Telegraph,' labeling them 'The Rupert Murdoch' or 'The Conrad Black' to criticize their proprietors' influence.

How did ownership of The Independent change in the mid-1990s?

Newspaper Publishing plc, the original publisher, faced financial difficulties. By mid-1994, Tony O'Reilly's media group and Mirror Group Newspapers (MGN) each held about a third stake. This was restructured in March 1995, with Independent News & Media (O'Reilly's company) holding 43%, MGN 43%, and Prisa 12%.

Who acquired full control of The Independent in March 1998, and what changes followed?

Tony O'Reilly bought out the other shareholders in March 1998. Following this, Andrew Marr was appointed editor of The Independent, and Rosie Boycott became editor of The Independent on Sunday. Marr's redesign received critical acclaim but was a commercial failure.

What was the circulation of The Independent by the time Simon Kelner became editor in 1998?

By the time Simon Kelner was appointed editor in 1998, The Independent's circulation had fallen below 200,000. Despite efforts and redesigns, it did not reach previous circulation levels or restore profitability.

What financial difficulties did The Independent face in the early 2000s?

By mid-2004, the newspaper was reportedly losing £5 million per year. However, a gradual improvement led to circulation reaching a nine-year high by 2006.

When and why did The Independent's production move to Northcliffe House?

In November 2008, following staff cuts, The Independent's production was moved to Northcliffe House, the headquarters of Associated Newspapers. While editorial operations remained separate, they shared services like IT and payroll.

Who purchased The Independent in March 2010, and under what terms?

The newspaper was sold on March 25, 2010, to a company owned by the family of Russian oligarch Alexander Lebedev for a nominal fee of £1, plus £9.25 million paid over the following ten months. This sale was preferred over closing the papers, which would have incurred greater costs.

What controversy involved columnist Johann Hari and The Independent in 2011?

In July 2011, The Independent's columnist Johann Hari was stripped of his 2008 Orwell Prize after admitting to plagiarism and inaccuracies. The newspaper's editor stated the scandal had 'severely damaged' its reputation.

What was The Independent's stance on the 2016 Brexit referendum?

Both The Independent and The Independent on Sunday endorsed the 'Remain' campaign in the 2016 Brexit referendum.

When did The Independent transition from broadsheet to tabloid format?

The Independent began producing both broadsheet and tabloid-sized versions of the paper in September 2003. The tabloid version was termed 'compact' to distinguish it from sensationalist tabloids and maintain a focus on hard news.

How did The Independent's front pages evolve after the 2003 format change?

Following the switch to a tabloid format in 2003, The Independent became known for its distinctive, often campaigning front pages. These frequently used images, graphics, or single words rather than traditional headlines, such as 'Whitewash?' after the Hutton Report.

What was the 'Rainbow List' or 'Pink List' published by The Independent on Sunday?

The 'Rainbow List,' initially called the 'Pink List,' was an annual feature published by The Independent on Sunday, starting in 2000. It identified and celebrated the most prominent lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the UK.

When did The Independent's original website launch, and what developments occurred in its online presence?

The Independent's original website launched in 1996. Over the years, its online presence expanded significantly, including a major relaunch in 2008 with new features, the introduction of podcast programs, and the integration of video content, eventually leading to the launch of Independent TV in late 2020.

How is The Independent's political alignment generally characterized?

The Independent is generally described as centrist, centre-left, liberal, and liberal-left. While it aimed to occupy the centre of the political spectrum upon its founding, it has often been seen as a competitor to The Guardian, with a liberal stance on economic issues.

What was the newspaper's stance on the British monarchy?

The Independent's stance on the British monarchy has been described as republican at times, although its official position is reformist, advocating for a monarchy that reflects the nation and is accountable. Initially, the paper avoided royal stories, with its founding editor believing the press was 'unduly besotted' with the Royal Family.

What did Prime Minister Tony Blair state about The Independent in 2007?

In a 2007 speech, Prime Minister Tony Blair referred to The Independent as a 'viewspaper,' suggesting it had moved away from its founding principle of 'journalism as views not news'.

How did The Independent's readership's voting patterns compare to the general electorate in the 2010 UK general election?

An Ipsos MORI poll for the 2010 general election indicated that 44% of The Independent's regular readers voted Liberal Democrat, 32% Labour, and 14% Conservative. This contrasted with the overall electorate's voting patterns of 23% Liberal Democrat, 29% Labour, and 36% Conservative.

What was The Independent's endorsement for the 2024 United Kingdom general election?

For the 2024 United Kingdom general election, The Independent endorsed the Labour Party, while also issuing a caution that Labour must ensure its policies benefit the country's citizens.

Who have been some of the notable editors of The Independent?

Notable editors of The Independent have included Andreas Whittam Smith (founding editor), Andrew Marr, Rosie Boycott, Simon Kelner, Roger Alton, Chris Blackhurst, Amol Rajan, Christian Broughton, and currently Geordie Greig.

What is the Longford Prize, and who sponsors it?

The Longford Prize is sponsored by The Independent and is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of current or former prisoners, honoring the legacy of Lord Longford.

What was 'The (RED) Independent' initiative?

The (RED) Independent was an occasional edition of the newspaper that supported Bono's Product RED brand. Half of the proceeds from these editions were donated to the charity, with one notable edition in May 2006 edited by Bono himself.

What controversy surrounded a 2006 edition of The (RED) Independent?

A September 2006 edition of The (RED) Independent, designed by Giorgio Armani, faced controversy for its cover featuring model Kate Moss in blackface for an article discussing AIDS in Africa.

What award did The Independent win in 2003, and what did the Independent on Sunday win in 2014?

The Independent was awarded 'National Newspaper of the Year' for 2003. The Independent on Sunday received 'Front Page of the Year' in 2014 for its 'Here is the news, not the propaganda' front page.

Can you name a few journalists who have written for The Independent and received awards?

Yes, several journalists have been recognized for their work. For instance, Johann Hari won 'Young Journalist of the Year' in 2002, James Lawton won 'Sports Journalist of the Year' in 2010, and Bel Trew won 'Foreign Reporter of the Year' in 2023.

What foreign language editions has The Independent launched or partnered on?

In 2019, The Independent partnered with Saudi Research & Media Group to launch editions in Arabic, Turkish, Persian, and Urdu. In September 2020, it launched its own Spanish-language edition, 'Independent en Español'.

What was the 'i' newspaper, and what is its current status?

The 'i' was launched in October 2010 as a compact sister newspaper to The Independent, sharing some content. It was later sold and is now known as 'The i Paper,' belonging to the Daily Mail and General Trust.

What is the significance of the 'Rainbow List' (formerly 'Pink List')?

The 'Rainbow List,' first published as the 'Pink List' in 2000 by The Independent on Sunday, identifies and celebrates prominent LGBT individuals in the UK. It was revived as the 'Pride List' in 2023 and 2024.

What was the initial design philosophy for The Independent?

The Independent initially adopted a broadsheet format with designs that were celebrated for their quality. The founding team, including Andreas Whittam Smith, aimed for a serious journalistic standard, with early designs implemented by Executive Editor, Design and Picture, Michael Crozier.

How did The Independent's circulation change from its launch to the early 2000s?

The Independent reached a circulation of over 400,000 by 1989. By the time Simon Kelner became editor in 1998, circulation had fallen below 200,000. After a format change to tabloid in 2003, circulation saw an increase, reaching around 250,000 by March 2004.

What was the 'Viewspaper' section introduced in 2010?

Following the acquisition by the Lebedev family in 2010, The Independent was relaunched with a new format that included a 'Viewspaper' section. This insert was designed to house the paper's comment and feature articles, separating opinion content from hard news.

What was the newspaper's approach to reporting on the war in Darfur?

The Independent highlighted what it referred to as war crimes committed by pro-government forces in the Darfur region of Sudan, bringing attention to the conflict through its reporting.

What was The Independent's stance on electoral reform?

The Independent has been a strong advocate for electoral reform in the United Kingdom, supporting changes to the voting system.

What specific award did The Independent win in 2022 from The Drum Awards for Online Media?

In 2022, The Independent was recognized as 'Publisher of the Year' and its 'Branded Content team of the Year' at The Drum Awards for Online Media.

Who was the editor of The Independent when it was nominated for the Responsible Media of the Year award?

In January 2013, when The Independent was nominated for the Responsible Media of the Year award at the British Muslim Awards, Chris Blackhurst was the editor.

What was the 'Final Say' campaign led by The Independent in 2018?

In July 2018, The Independent spearheaded the 'Final Say' campaign, which involved a change.org petition advocating for a binding referendum on the UK's Brexit deal with the European Union.

What is the significance of the 'Brett Straub incident' mentioned in the 'See also' section?

The 'Brett Straub incident' is listed under 'See also,' referencing a notable instance of vandalism on Wikipedia, though the specific details of the incident are not provided in this text.

What is the 'Independent Foreign Fiction Prize'?

The 'Independent Foreign Fiction Prize' is a literary award associated with The Independent newspaper, recognizing excellence in translated fiction.

What was the ownership structure of The Independent in 2017?

In 2017, Sultan Muhammad Abuljadayel acquired a 30% stake in The Independent.

What was the newspaper's approach to the British monarchy's role?

The Independent's approach to the British monarchy was initially to avoid royal stories, with its founder believing the press was too focused on them. Later, the paper identified as reformist, advocating for a monarchy that better reflects the nation and is accountable.

What was the 'Independent on Sunday' circulation figure mentioned?

The circulation figure provided for The Independent on Sunday was 155,661.

What was the purpose of the 'indy100' website launched in 2016?

Indy100 was launched by The Independent in February 2016 as an online news site where stories were selected based on reader 'upvotes,' aiming for a more interactive and community-driven journalism model.

Who was the editor of The Independent on Sunday when it ceased publication?

Lisa Markwell was the editor of The Independent on Sunday when its final print edition was published on March 20, 2016.

The Independent Wiki: The Independent: A Digital Chronicle of British Journalism

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Overview

British News Institution

The Independent is a prominent British news publication, originally established as a national morning printed paper in 1986. It has since transitioned to an online-only format, marking a significant shift in its operational model and reach.

Format Evolution

Initially launched as a broadsheet, The Independent adopted a tabloid format in 2003. The final print edition was published on March 26, 2016, after which the newspaper continued its operations exclusively online, adapting to the evolving media landscape.

Editorial Identity

Generally characterized by its liberal and centre-left political alignment, The Independent has positioned itself as a competitor to established broadsheets, often focusing on analysis and commentary while maintaining a commitment to journalistic integrity.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Early Years (1980s-1990s)

Founded by Andreas Whittam Smith, Stephen Glover, and Matthew Symonds, The Independent debuted on October 7, 1986. It emerged during a period of significant change in British newspaper publishing, challenging existing norms and attracting staff from rival publications. Its early years saw a circulation of over 400,000 by 1989, establishing it as a notable player.

Ownership and Financial Shifts (1990s-2000s)

The 1990s brought financial challenges, leading to restructuring and changes in ownership. By mid-1994, stakes were held by Tony O'Reilly's media group and Mirror Group Newspapers. In 1998, O'Reilly assumed full control. The early 2000s saw efforts to improve circulation and profitability, including a move to new headquarters and a format change to tabloid.

Digital Transition and Modern Era (2010s-Present)

In 2010, the newspaper was acquired by Alexander Lebedev, with his son Evgeny becoming chairman. This marked a new phase, including a relaunch of the website and editorial investment. The pivotal moment came in March 2016 with the cessation of the print edition, transforming The Independent into a digital-only publication. This strategic move aimed to focus resources on its online presence and reach.

Editorial Stance & Influence

Political Alignment

The Independent is consistently identified with liberal and centre-left political viewpoints. Its founding principles aimed to occupy a centrist position, but it evolved to become a significant voice in the liberal-left discourse, often championing causes such as electoral reform and civil liberties.

Public Discourse

The newspaper has been noted for its campaigning front pages, often using strong imagery or concise statements to convey its editorial stance on major issues, from political inquiries to social causes. This approach aimed to engage readers directly and influence public opinion.

Key Personnel

Throughout its history, The Independent has been shaped by influential editors and writers. Notable figures include founding editors Andreas Whittam Smith, Stephen Glover, and Matthew Symonds, as well as later editors like Simon Kelner, Chris Blackhurst, and the current Editor-in-Chief, Geordie Greig. The contributions of columnists like Robert Fisk and Johann Hari have also significantly defined its editorial character.

Digital Transformation

Online Presence

The relaunch of its website in 2008 marked a significant step towards a digital-first strategy. This included enhanced multimedia content, blog services, and the introduction of video news bulletins, often in partnership with other news organizations like Al Jazeera English.

Multimedia Content

The Independent has increasingly integrated video and podcast content into its reporting. Initiatives like "Independent TV" and various video series, including "Millennial Love," demonstrate a commitment to diverse digital storytelling formats to engage a contemporary audience.

Sister Sites and Initiatives

The newspaper has launched and managed sister websites, such as i100 (later Indy100), focusing on shareable content. Additionally, international editions like Independent Arabia and Independent en Español highlight its global reach and adaptation strategies.

Related Publications

Independent on Sunday

Launched in 1990, The Independent on Sunday served as the newspaper's Sunday counterpart. It ceased publication in March 2016, shortly before the main paper's print closure, sharing a similar editorial ethos.

The i Paper

Introduced in 2010 as a compact sister newspaper, The i Paper (now The i Paper) utilized some of The Independent's content. It has since been sold and rebranded, operating as a distinct entity within the UK media landscape.

Indy100

This online news site, launched as i100 and later rebranded, focuses on shareable journalism, selected by reader upvotes. It represents The Independent's engagement with interactive and social media trends in news dissemination.

Awards and Recognition

National Acclaim

The Independent has garnered significant recognition throughout its history. It was awarded "National Newspaper of the Year" in 2003, reflecting its quality and impact in the print era. Its journalists have also received numerous British Press Awards across various categories, including Business, Political, and Sports Journalism.

Digital Excellence

In the digital sphere, The Independent has also been recognized for its innovation and performance. Awards such as "Publisher of the Year" and "Best Digital Consumer Publishing Company" from The Drum Awards and AOP Digital Publishing Awards highlight its success in adapting to the online media environment.

Notable Achievements

Specific accolades include awards for "Best Use of Data," "Best Diversification of Commercial Strategy," and recognition for individual journalists like Bel Trew for "Foreign Reporter of the Year." These awards underscore the breadth of journalistic excellence maintained across its operations.

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References

Dennis Griffiths (ed.) The Encyclopedia of the British Press, 1422â1992, London & Basingstoke: Macmillan, 1992, p. 330.

Hughes, Gary: "A History of the Tabloid Newspaper," updated 14 December 2021, Historic Newspapers, retrieved 22 May 2024

A full list of references for this article are available at the The Independent Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI, drawing upon publicly available information from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for educational and informational purposes only.

This is not professional journalistic or media advice. The information provided should not substitute consultation with media industry professionals or verification against primary sources. The AI is not responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on this information.

The Independent: A Digital Chronicle

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview ℹ️

📰 British News Institution

🔄 Format Evolution

💡 Editorial Identity

Historical Trajectory 📈

🚀 Genesis and Early Years (1980s-1990s)

💼 Ownership and Financial Shifts (1990s-2000s)

💻 Digital Transition and Modern Era (2010s-Present)

Editorial Stance & Influence ⚖️

🏛️ Political Alignment

🗣️ Public Discourse

👤 Key Personnel

Digital Transformation 🌐

🖥️ Online Presence

🎬 Multimedia Content

🚀 Sister Sites and Initiatives

Related Publications 🔗

🗓️ Independent on Sunday

📰 The i Paper

💡 Indy100

Awards and Recognition 🏆

🏅 National Acclaim

💻 Digital Excellence

🌟 Notable Achievements

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

British News Institution

Format Evolution

Editorial Identity

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Early Years (1980s-1990s)

Ownership and Financial Shifts (1990s-2000s)

Digital Transition and Modern Era (2010s-Present)

Editorial Stance & Influence

Political Alignment

Public Discourse

Key Personnel

Digital Transformation

Online Presence

Multimedia Content

Sister Sites and Initiatives

Related Publications

Independent on Sunday

The i Paper

Indy100

Awards and Recognition

National Acclaim

Digital Excellence

Notable Achievements

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice