Independent Cash Injection Likely

Staff at The Independent newspaper were told yesterday that a deal to safeguard the future of the title is likely in the next three to four weeks.

Andreas Whittam – Smith, founder and editor-in-chief, told journalists that a cash injection was being sought from another newspaper group, which might mean leaving their current premises.

Staff believe that the Telegraph and Mirror Groups are the most likely to take a stake, although others have speculated Associated Newspapers and United Newspapers.

Whittam-Smith said he felt the recent cover price increase to 50p had been a mistake with the subsequent drop in sales shown clearly in the last set of circulation figures.