One of the UK’s first newspapers, The Independent says that they will stop printing of newspapers effective from March 26 and focus on the digital aspect as readers have now embraced a ‘digital world’.

ESI Media, owners of the newspaper, said The Independent, launched in 1986, will become ‘the first national newspaper title to move to a digital-only future’.

A statement released by Russian tycoon owner Evgeny Lebedev, said:

‘At a time when our journalism is read and respected by more people in more places than ever before, we are embracing an exclusively digital future. We faced a choice: manage the continued decline of print, or convert the digital foundation we’ve built into a sustainable, profitable future. ‘In choosing the latter, we will create 25 new content roles, launch a new subscription mobile app, enhance the redesigned, thriving website, open new editorial bureaux in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and invest further in our New York US operation.’ Mr Lebedev added: ‘The newspaper industry is changing, and that change is being driven by readers. They’re showing us that the future is digital. ‘

This decision preserves the Independent brand and allows us to continue to invest in the high quality editorial content that is attracting more and more readers to our online platforms. The Independent has always been a pioneering newspaper with a track record of innovation. It has a proud heritage as Britain’s first truly independent national quality title. ‘My family bought and invested heavily in The Independent because we believe in world-class quality journalism, and this move secures the future of these vitally important editorial values.’