The Independent (British newspaper)

History and format

When it began in 1986 the title appeared in a traditional broadsheet form. Over time the paper experimented with size and layout to suit changing reader habits, and later editions adopted a compact tabloid format. The paper also had a sister title, the Independent on Sunday, which was published on Sundays and carried distinct Sunday features and supplements.

Editorial stance and coverage

The Independent is broadly regarded as taking a liberal and centrist political position. Its pages have combined national and international news, features, opinion, culture and sport. The editorial approach has often emphasized clear analysis, commentary from a range of writers, and investigative reporting.

Digital transition and significance

Facing industry-wide declines in print readership, the title ended its regular printed edition and concentrated on online publishing and multimedia journalism. As a digital outlet it maintains regular news updates, long-form features and opinion pieces, and aims to reach a global audience through its website and apps.

Notable characteristics

• National UK focus with international coverage.
• Originally a broadsheet, later compact/tabloid in appearance.
• Sister Sunday edition published separately.
• Shifted from print to a primarily online model in the 2010s.

For more information on the publication and its editions see the main site: The Independent, and general context about the United Kingdom: UK. Details on the Sunday title are available at Independent on Sunday. References to its earlier broadsheet style and later tabloid format can be found via broadsheet and tabloid discussions. Its political outlook is often described as liberal or centrist.