London’s Evening Standard, one of the UK’s oldest and most influential newspapers, has announced that it will be closing its daily print edition and transitioning to a weekly freesheet. This decision has been met with sadness from those who care about the future of traditional newspapers, as it will result in the loss of jobs for half of the editorial staff.
While this news may not have a significant impact on those outside of London, the Evening Standard’s reach and influence extends far beyond the capital. At its peak, the newspaper published six editions daily, setting the news agenda in areas such as politics, finance, and entertainment. The Standard’s coverage was often a major factor in shaping the national conversation and influencing the reporting of other Fleet Street newspapers.
The newspaper’s impact was not limited to its coverage of current events. It was also known for its high-quality writing, attracting renowned writers such as George Orwell, John Betjeman, and Harold Nicolson. The Standard also served as a training ground for future editors of national titles, including Sir Simon Jenkins, Geordie Greig, and Paul Dacre.
In addition to its influence and prestige, the Evening Standard was also incredibly profitable in the past. However, like many traditional newspapers, it has struggled to maintain profitability in the face of the rise of online news. Despite this, the newspaper’s owner, Russian-born businessman Evgeny Lebedev, has kept it afloat for several years.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have significantly impacted the newspaper’s revenue, leading to today’s announcement that it will be moving to an online-only format. This decision follows a similar path taken by other publications, such as Time Out magazine, which went online-only in 2022.
While the Evening Standard will no longer have a daily print edition, the newspaper’s management has stated that it will continue to publish a weekly print edition, similar to the successful model used by its sister publication, the Independent. The hope is that this will help the newspaper to remain profitable and continue to provide high-quality journalism for its readers.
Despite the move towards online news, it is worth noting that print editions still hold significant influence and power, as seen in the recent UK election campaign. The Evening Standard’s decision to continue with a weekly print edition is a testament to the enduring impact of traditional newspapers in the digital age.
