The British media landscape has lost one of its most influential figures with the passing of Andreas Whittam Smith, the pioneering co-founder of The Independent newspaper. He was 88 years old.
Whittam Smith's family confirmed his peaceful death on Saturday, November 29, 2025, marking the end of an era for British journalism. His groundbreaking work in establishing The Independent in 1986 challenged the established newspaper market and left an indelible mark on media history.
The Birth of a Newspaper Revolution
In October 1986, Andreas Whittam Smith embarked on what many considered an impossible mission: launching a new national newspaper in Britain's crowded media market. Together with fellow financial journalists Matthew Symonds and Stephen Glover, he created The Independent with a bold vision to provide unbiased, high-quality journalism free from political party affiliations and proprietorial influence.
The newspaper's famous slogan "It is. Are you?" captured its ethos of independent thinking and quickly resonated with readers tired of traditional partisan reporting. Under Whittam Smith's leadership as editor until 1994, The Independent grew from an ambitious startup into a respected national title that challenged established players like The Times and The Guardian.
A Distinguished Career Beyond The Independent
Before his groundbreaking venture with The Independent, Whittam Smith built an impressive career at established publications. He served as City editor of The Daily Telegraph and later as financial editor of The Guardian, developing the expertise that would inform his later entrepreneurial success.
His contributions to journalism and public life extended well beyond newspaper editing. From 1995 to 2000, he distinguished himself as the first independent complaints commissioner for the Church of England, handling sensitive cases with characteristic fairness and integrity.
In 2010, he accepted another significant public service role as chair of the British Board of Film Classification, where he oversaw film and video content regulation until 2017. His leadership helped modernise the UK's approach to content classification during a period of rapid technological change.
Lasting Legacy in British Media
Andreas Whittam Smith's impact on British journalism extends far beyond the newspapers he helped create. His commitment to independent, high-quality reporting set new standards for the industry and inspired generations of journalists.
Even after leaving his editorial role at The Independent, he remained an influential voice through his regular columns, offering sharp analysis of financial and political matters. His writing continued to appear in the paper until recent years, maintaining his connection to the publication he brought to life.
Tributes have poured in from across the media industry, with colleagues and competitors alike acknowledging his courage in challenging the status quo. His legacy lives on not only in The Independent's continued operation but in the broader culture of independent journalism he helped foster.
Whittam Smith is survived by his wife Irene, their three children, and grandchildren. His family has requested privacy during this difficult time while acknowledging the outpouring of respect from the journalism community and beyond.
