Mobile navigation

News 

Cornish newspaper Sunday Independent closes due to rising costs

Cornish publisher Independent Media has shelved publication of its Sunday Independent, but said staff will be redeployed as it launches two new editions of its Voice series.

Cornish newspaper Sunday Independent closes due to rising costs
Stuart Fraser: “At the moment, we are not printing because of a toxic mixture of rising costs and the effects of the pandemic.”

The regional newspaper, which was founded in 1808, has ceased publication indefinitely as its owner launches two new titles.

Publication of the paper has been on hold since Christmas due to rising printing costs and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Stuart Fraser, the company’s editor-in-chief, told HTFP: “The Sunday Independent has been placed on hold since Christmas and its position is under constant review.

“At the moment, we are not printing because of a toxic mixture of rising costs and the effects of the pandemic which, in the first lockdown, deprived people of the sport for which buying the Independent was such a strong reason.

“The Omicron uncertainty before and during the festive period had another knockback effect on sport at national and local level, and many of our clients have been cautious about their advertising budgets because of their own uncertainties around rising costs.

“It has also been difficult to find print slots late enough on a Saturday to enable us to carry the level of sport reporting which can satisfy our readership.

“We are constantly reviewing the situation in the hope of better days and a better climate for the Indy.”

“No jobs have been affected as all staff efforts have been focused on the Voice titles.”

Keep up-to-date with publishing news: sign up here for InPubWeekly, our free weekly e-newsletter.