Monday, 28 March 2016

(58) The eagle dares: Independent goes out of print on a scoop

Link: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2016/mar/26/eagle-dares-independent-newspaper-final-print-edition-scoop

The first and last editions of the Independent newspaper, which began in 1986.
 
Summary:
 
The final print edition of the Independent was greeted with a fond farewell from journalists around the world as it hit the stands on Saturday, its last day before the title moves to a digital-only format. The paper ends with an exclusive story about a British connection in a plot to kill a Saudi king, and a striking image of train passengers being evacuated during an anti-terrorism operation in Brussels, on its final front page. A special wraparound says simply “STOP PRESS”. Referring to the demise of the paper in print as a “bold transition” in its final editorial, which it says “history will judge as an example for other newspapers around the world to follow”.
 
Key data/statistical information:
 
  • The paper was launched by a group of journalists led by Andreas Whittam Smith in 1986
  • It enjoyed initial success rising to a circulation passing 400,000 by 1988, and a Sunday title was launched in 1990 with Stephen Glover as editor
  • The company said it would create 25 new jobs at the online-only Independent, and a further 34 editorial roles would transfer to Johnston Press as part of the regional publisher’s acquisition of the i
  • The paper had seen “some of the best journalistic writing in Britain in the 20th century”
 
What's my view?
 
I think the Independent made a wise decision as we are now living in the era of new and digital media. Therefore by focusing on keeping their on-line website in place, they will increase their popularity as people prefer to receive news on-line rather than reading it or watching it on TV.

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