Changes At The Independent

The Independent launches a new look this morning, apparently as a result of extensive “testing” with its readers and members of the public. Editor Andrew Marr claims that the new design is a move towards a greater degree of “usefulness”. To this end, headlines are more descriptive and less “big” and “hoarse”. The paper’s sections are headed by an indication of the story rather than a general sectional heading such as Home or International News.

A plainer type-face has been adopted both for the headlines and the paper’s title; the front page headline is noticeably small yet surprisingly clear due to this type-face. This is part of the move towards an increase in the number of words and stories per page. Despite this a picture of Tony Blair is given two-thirds of the story’s space.

The second section remains essentially the same, with different areas and respective appointments covered each day of the week. The daily arts and listings guide, The Eye, also takes on a new look. According to Andrew Marr these changes are part of a scheme of “smartening-up” rather than “dumbing-down”.

Today’s edition retails for 20p.

Independent: 0171 293 2000