Johnston Press in talks to buy i newspaper

Evgeny Lebedev, owner of the 30-year-old title, said: “The newspaper industry is changing, and that change is being driven by readers”.

British media reports said the owner of the Independent and Independent on Sunday, Evgeny Lebedev, is considering a switch to digital news in the face of declining sales as readers switch to digital news.

“With our considerable digital experience the combination of Johnston Press and i will also allow us to grow digital audiences and revenues through the creation of inews.co.uk”.

Between 20 and 40 members of staff are expected to move to Johnston Press, the Guardian said, with numerous remaining 110-130 full-time staff on the Indy now at risk of losing their jobs.

ESI Media said it will launch a subscription mobile app and open new editorial offices in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, as well as expanding its operations in the United States.

“(W)e will cease to print The Independent and Independent on Sunday.

The news comes as Johnston Press confirmed it is to buy the Indy’s sister publication, i newspaper, for £24 million (subject to shareholder approval). Yet many more people are short on time and hungry for knowledge.

“There can be no certainty that the discussions between the Company and IPL will lead to any definitive agreement concerning the possible acquisition or as to the final terms of any such agreement”, Johnston Press said in a statement responding to press speculation.

Spokesmen for Johnston Press and Independent Print did not return calls for comment.

It adds it expects to glean “additional benefits” from “expected cost savings and revenue synergies”.

Editor-in-chief Jeremy Clifford reportedly told staff in a memo that the company would review its staffing structure and look at whether it had the most appropriate websites for its markets.

“My family bought and invested heavily in The Independent because we believe in world-class quality journalism, and this move secures the future of these vitally important editorial values”. As we set about that, I would like to thank everyone for the part they have played in the development of this great institution.