The management of the Standard website is set to shift to Independent Media, the owner of The Independent. This transition is expected to take effect on March 1, 2024, as part of a strategy to enhance digital operations. Evening Standard Limited (ESL) will continue its weekly print publication, but the digital and commercial staff have been informed about the potential transfer, prompting discussions about job security and voluntary redundancy.
On Tuesday, Standard employees were notified of the proposed outsourcing. Those interested in voluntary redundancy must submit their applications by 9:00 AM on January 26, 2024. Employees who do not apply and object to the transfer under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations may lose their jobs without redundancy or notice payments.
Tamar Riley, CEO of the Evening Standard, emphasized the ongoing negotiations with Independent Media to broaden their collaboration. In a memo to staff, she stated that this move aims to incorporate additional digital operations and enhance the overall digital presence of The Standard.
Riley noted, “Independent Media has a proven track record in building and growing successful digital businesses.” She highlighted a focus on maintaining the quality and integrity of journalism while positioning the company for sustainable growth. ESL plans to retain its current print format and team, while optimizing its offerings to better meet audience and client needs.
The Evening Standard ceased its daily print edition in September 2024, transitioning to a weekly issue with a magazine-style format. This change followed significant staff reductions, with around 150 employees laid off, including approximately 70 in editorial roles. Currently, the Standard employs around 75 people, with a core team of about 25 expected to continue working on the print edition. Those not retaining their positions will either transfer to The Independent or exit the organization.
Independent Media currently operates the fourth-largest news website in the UK, attracting 20.7 million users in November, trailing only behind BBC News, The Sun, and The Guardian. In contrast, the Standard’s website garnered a monthly audience of 10.7 million, ranking 16th in the Press Gazette’s list of top UK online news publishers. The Independent enjoys higher engagement levels, with users averaging eight minutes per visit compared to the Standard’s five minutes.
An anonymous source within the Standard expressed concerns about the website’s direction, suggesting that challenges began when former Conservative Chancellor George Osborne took over as editor in 2017, stating this had alienated a significant portion of the audience. The source noted that the pandemic exacerbated existing issues, leading to a lack of clear strategy for the website, which now relies heavily on sports news to drive traffic.
The Standard has been without a permanent editor for over a year, following the departure of Dylan Jones in May 2023. Currently, Anna van Praagh serves as the acting editor. The absence of a strategic vision for the website has left staff feeling uncertain about its future, as many expressed disappointment over the recent announcements.
As this transition unfolds, the Standard’s staff and audience alike await to see how the collaboration with Independent Media will reshape the digital landscape of one of London’s prominent publications.
