The Independent is to become the first national newspaper title to move to a digital-only future, owners ESI Media have announced. As a result of the move to digital-only, ESI Media will create 25 new digital content roles, launch a new subscription mobile App and continue to invest in quality journalism. New editorial bureaux will open in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, and the US operation will be expanded. The i100.co.uk site, the hugely successful quality news source for millennials, will become indy100.com as part of ESI Media’s drive to champion truly independent and innovative journalism worldwide. The Independent and Independent on Sunday will cease print, with The Independent’s last paper edition expected on 26 March and the last Independent on Sunday expected on the 20 March. The move announced today has no bearing on the status of the Evening Standard, which continues to grow as a profitable and successful newspaper brand in its own right.

ESI Media has also confirmed that it will sell i newspaper to Johnston Press, subject to Johnston Press shareholder approval. A significant number of employees are expected to move across to Johnston Press under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, known as TUPE. There will be some redundancies among editorial employees, the number of roles affected will be confirmed following a consultation period.

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