Co-founder and first editor of The Independent dies

Andreas Whittam Smith was driving force behind the launch

- TARA COBHAM

The pioneering journalist who co-founded The Independent and changed the landscape of British journalism over his decades-long career has died aged 88. Andreas Whittam Smith died on Saturday, his family said in a statement.

Whittam Smith was the early driving force behind The Independent, the broadsheet he launched in 1986 as an antidote to the entrenched partisanship of Fleet Street. Under his stewardship, the newspaper won a devoted readership with its commitment to neutrality, intellectual rigour, and clean, modern design, with clarity and depth chosen over sensationalism.

He had worked in finance and public service, but it was in the media industry in particular where his influence will be keenly felt long after his death.

He was knighted in 2015 for his services to the media and public life in recognition of his remarkable contributions and his legacy of courage, independence and championing of the truth.

The Independent’s editor-in-chief, Geordie Greig, said: “All of the staff of The Independent, past and present, are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our founder Andreas Whittam Smith.