London’s Evening Standard Newspaper Goes Weekly Amid Losses

Writing to staff, Evening Standard chief attributed the decline to WiFi on the London Underground, remote working and changes to consumer habits. (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire URN:54903594 (Press Association via AP Images))

London’s Evening Standard newspaper is to cease its daily print edition after nearly 200 years, transitioning to a weekly format.

Chair Paul Kanareck announced the decision on Wednesday citing unsustainable losses of £84.5m over six years. He attributed the decline to factors like the introduction of WiFi on the London Underground, fewer commuters due to remote working and evolution in consumer habits.

He said: “The substantial losses accruing from the current operations are not sustainable. Therefore, we plan to consult with our staff and external stakeholders to reshape the business, return to profitability and secure the long-term future of the number one news brand in London.”

The new weekly edition will focus on in-depth analysis, entertainment guides, lifestyle, sports, and culture. The paper will also aim to grow its online audience.

The Evening Standard, once a paid-for paper publishing multiple editions daily, became a freesheet after its sale to the Lebedev family in 2009. The move marks the end of an era, leaving London without a general-interest daily print newspaper for the first time in centuries.