Twitter reaction: What the industry is saying on the Independent print closure
In the aftermath of the Independent’s industry defining decision to sell the i for £24m and shutter the print edition of its Independent newspaper, the UK’s media industry shared their sadness at the loss of a giant.
With the i being picked up by Johnston Press on Friday morning (12 February), Independent owner Evgeny Lebedev issued a statement.
Quote from Lebedev on closure of Indy print editions pic.twitter.com/HY7P7PBcqC
— James Quinn (@jamesrquinn) February 12, 2016
The future of the i is now in question and the possibility of job cuts at the outlet remains as the UK media scene drastically shifted this afternoon.
Johnston Press has NOT agreed to take any #indy journos to i newspaper. But may advertise some jobs. How utterly grim
— Beth Rigby (@BethRigby) February 12, 2016
Now Lebedev has pinned the title's hopes on the performance of the Independent’s digital (and therefore digital advertising) offering.
Here are some of the top views from reporters, presenters and more in the media industry, they largely mourned the demise of the print edition.
Bye. pic.twitter.com/VHDaJ2xLQs
— Alice Jones (@alicevjones) February 12, 2016
My proudest professional achievement has been to preside over the brilliant, brave @IndyOnSunday team for 3 years. pic.twitter.com/52QCIR1l1U
— Lisa Markwell (@lisamarkwell) February 12, 2016
Sad to hear @Independent producing last print editions. Fond memories of cutting my journalistic teeth there.
— Cathy Newman (@cathynewman) February 12, 2016
Made possible by the new technology. Now killed by the new technology? I remember the night we worked on No. 1. pic.twitter.com/FP4YK5JaGD
— Tom Sutcliffe (@tds153) February 12, 2016
Whether you bought it or read it, the closure of The Independent/IoS & move to online-only feels like a big moment for all journalism.
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) February 12, 2016
Sad to hear about The Independent ceasing printing (going online-only?). Ave atque vale to friends still working there.
— Charles Arthur (@charlesarthur) February 12, 2016
Sad to hear @Independent ceasing print operation. Some great journalists/writers, worth paying for. Seems a waste just to give away online
— Oliver Kay (@OliverKayTimes) February 12, 2016
A crap day for British media. The Independent and IoS always have had a strong voice and identity - so many talented journalists work there.
— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) February 12, 2016
I genuinely loved my time at The Independent Many of the best people I have ever worked with May its spirit and brilliant journalism live on
— suzanne moore (@suzanne_moore) February 12, 2016
Will really miss reading The Independent newspaper. Truly great. Honoured to have had the chance to write for it on occasion.
— Josh Barrie (@joshbythesea) February 12, 2016
Hugely sad + game-changing news about @Independent newspaper. Remarkable UK has been able to sustain so many national newspapers for so long
— Alfie (Mark Alford) (@AlfieSport) February 12, 2016
Sad news about @Independent going digital-only. Best paper for women’s football stories, usually via @GlennMoore7. Thinking of the staff.
— Jacqui Oatley (@JacquiOatley) February 12, 2016
The Independent, often irrelevant of sales concerns, gave prominence to causes other ignored. One of the many things I'll miss.
— George Eaton (@georgeeaton) February 12, 2016
My first day at the Independent, @geochesterton was subbing dressed as Elton John. It went uphill from there until I met @cunninghamshire…
— Martin Pengelly (@MartinPengelly) February 12, 2016
V v sad for all those at the Independent, who produced some damn fine journalism. Best of luck to them all.
— Robert Colvile (@rcolvile) February 12, 2016
Very sad news about the Independent print operation closing. Some very good people now face uncertain futures.
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) February 12, 2016
The Independent ceasing to print would be the death of a medium, not of a message | Brian Cathcart https://t.co/PSxPT7I4VT
— Mike Butcher (@mikebutcher) February 12, 2016
Evgeny Lebedev's letter to staff doesn't say how many jobs will be lost with the Independent going digital-only: https://t.co/26hBLs0ONv
— Christine Bohan (@ChristineBohan) February 12, 2016
And to conclude, comedian Chris Addision mused:
Thank goodness The Independent is closing. Finally something's being done about the terrible left wing bias of the British press.
— Chris Addison (@mrchrisaddison) February 12, 2016