Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Sir Andreas Whittam Smith, the founding figure behind The Independent newspaper, has passed away at the age of 88, according to a family announcement. Known primarily for his role in launching the publication in 1986 alongside colleagues Stephen Glover and Matthew Symonds, Sir Andreas left an indelible mark on British journalism. The Independent was notable for being the first major newspaper without a permanent political party affiliation, a fact lauded by BBC’s Amol Rajan, who served as its editor from 2013. Rajan described this milestone as “a thrilling moment in the history of Fleet Street.”
A spokesperson for the Whittam Smith family confirmed his death on November 29, noting that he spent his final moments surrounded by loved ones and would be “dearly missed.” He is survived by his wife, two children, and three grandsons. Before founding The Independent, Sir Andreas had a distinguished career working at several prominent British publications, including the Financial Times, The Guardian, and The Daily Telegraph. Rajan highlighted The Independent as embodying the spirit of its time in print journalism, capturing “Thatcher’s Britain—though not her politics.” One memorable ad campaign for the paper featured the tagline: “The Independent. It is. Are you?” emphasizing its independence from any political faction and its subtle republican leanings.
Religion featured prominently in Sir Andreas’s life, as evidenced by his role as First Estates Church Commissioner from 2002 to 2017. In this capacity, he oversaw the Church of England’s vast investment portfolio. Within Fleet Street circles, he was often viewed as a “saintly” and “ecclesiastical” figure. Additionally, Sir Andreas served as President of the British Board of Film Classification, where he was responsible for approving and rating films, including the controversial remake of *Lolita*. Reflecting on his tenure, he recounted to the BBC in 2002 how the Daily Mail described him as an “urbane liberal” after the controversial decisions—an epithet he welcomed humorously as a counterbalance to the “wretched bishop image.”
In recognition of his contributions, Sir Andreas was appointed Commander of the British Empire in 2002 and was knighted in 2015, honoring his public service, particularly his commitment to the Church of England. His influence on journalism and public life remains significant, reflecting a career that bridged media and religion with notable integrity and foresight
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.