February 12, 2016

‘Sad day for us, bad day for journalism’: Industry mourns loss of Independent newspapers

Journalists from across the industry have been saddened by news that The Independent and Independent on Sunday newspapers are closing.

Following the sale of the i newspaper to Johnston Press, The Independent will be a digital-only brand.

Here are a selection of the comments from journalists on Twitter.

Times sketch writer and diarist Patrick Kidd: "I've seen a lot of newspaper culls, often brutal ones, but the news about the Independent is so sad. Lots of very good people there."

Spectator assistant editor Isabel Hardman: "So so sad to hear about closure of the Independent, a fine paper with such good people working for it. Will miss writing columns for it."

Presenter Julia Hartley-Brewer: "Very sad news that the Independent and the Indy on Sunday are to close. They were the reason I wanted to be a journalist."

Independent chief reporter Cahal Milmo: "So, goodbye then to the print editions of The Independent and The Independent on Sunday. Sad day for us, bad day for journalism."

Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid: "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."

New Statesman political editor George Eaton: "The Independent, often irrelevant of sales concerns, gave prominence to causes other ignored. One of the many things I'll miss."

Former Sunday Mirror political editor Vincent Moss: "Very sad news about the closure of the @Independent & @IndyOnSunday – hope they will thrive online ."

Daily Mirror associate editor Kevin Maguire: "Mourning loss of The Independent, a vital liberal voice in a British press dominated by Tory papers. Thoughts with good journos losing jobs."

Foreign correspondent Ian Birrell: "Indy not only innovative in design terms but in terms of hiring great talent over the years. So many amazing journalists have worked there."

The Guardian's Archie Bland, formerly of The Independent: "Heartbreaking day. Farewell to the most miraculous daily paper in Britain and love to all the brilliant people who work there.

"Don't suppose I'll ever work anywhere w/such camaraderie, collective determination, goodwill, mischief, wit. Will feel fond of it forever."