Andreas Whittam Smith death: Co-founder of The Independent, dies aged 88
Andreas Whittam Smith, co-founder, former editor Independent The journalist who changed the landscape of British journalism throughout his decades-long career has died aged 88.
The pioneering editor died on Saturday, his family said in a statement.
Whittam Smith was the initial driving force behind this. IndependentThe paper he launched in 1986 as an antidote to Fleet Street’s entrenched partisanship. Under his stewardship, the paper gained a loyal readership with its commitment to objectivity, intellectual rigor, and clean, modern design that favored clarity and depth over sensationalism.
He worked in finance and the civil service, but it was especially in the media sector that his influence would be felt keenly long after his death.
He was knighted in 2015 for his remarkable contributions and services to the media and public life for his legacy of courage, independence and defense of truth.
IndependentGeordie Greig, editor-in-chief of , said: “All staff IndependentWe are deeply saddened, past and present, to receive the news of the death of our founder, Andreas Whittam Smith.
“As a founding partner Independent As the antidote to corporate conformity and the lack of free expression and individuality in British newspapers, Andreas Whittam Smith not only broke the mold, but was also a heroic crusader for global freedom for the entire press.
“His passion for journalism has captured the imagination of the entire nation and built a global brand that never stops fighting for journalism that is not beholden to entrenched political or economic interests.
“He did it with graceful charm, steely persuasion and an indomitable desire to stand for the truth. When I asked him if he had any advice when I became editor of The Independent, he extolled the importance of imagination as well as effort. He brought both in spades.” Independentto celebrate the 40th anniversary of its creation.”
Born in Altrincham, Cheshire, in June 1937, Whittam Smith attended Birkenhead School, where he studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics, before studying at Oxford University.
After doing his national service as an infantryman guarding Berlin’s Spandau Prison, Whittam Smith started in the finance industry and worked for stockbroking firm Laurence Prust before switching to journalism.
He started financial journalism in 2010. Investors Chronicle, before He later held senior editorial positions Daily Telegraph And Financial TimesWhere he gained a reputation as a sharp and analytical business editor.
The British press at the time was increasingly polarized and partisan; From this environment emerged the bold idea to launch a national newspaper independent of any party or ownership influence.
Whittam Smith, with colleagues Matthew Symonds and Stephen Glover, Independent In 1986, with the unforgettable imprint: “It is. Is that you?” burst onto the publishing scene to great acclaim.
Under Whittam Smith’s humble but determined leadership, bold editorial decisions were made, major stories were published and talented journalists were trained, including foreign correspondents Robert Fisk and Patrick Cockburn, giving the paper a global reputation that grew over the years.
After leaving the editorship Independent In 1993 Whittam Smith was appointed chairman of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC), in 1998 he became the first Church Properties Commissioner four years later.
Meanwhile, he continued to write and comment on political and economic issues and contributed to social media. Independent until the years just before his death.
