Editor Defends ‘Independent’ Independent

The Independent’s editor, Christian Broughton, has reassured editorial colleagues that the Independent would ‘remain truly independent’ following a substantial investment from a Saudi investor.

Sultan Mohamed Abuljadayel, acquired a 30% stake in Independent Digital News and Media, publishers of the online publication.

In an email to staff, Broughton said: ‘I have been given cast-iron, unequivocal reassurances that we will be able to continue to publish as we see fit about Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Middle East, just as we always have, including throughout the period of the negotiations that have led to this new investment.

‘Our coverage is there for all to see. We will continue to expose injustice and abuse around the world, wherever we find it.’

A statement released by the publisher said: ‘The new investment and the guarantee of editorial independence will allow the Independent to flourish into the future.’

However, the announcement of the investment is being treated with caution by the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) who are concerned that the investment could impact on press freedoms.

Seamus Dooley, acting general secretary of the National Union of the NUJ told journalists: ‘The NUJ is in favour of maximum transparency in terms of media ownership, and we know nothing about this group. Also, there are serious concerns about Saudi and their relationship with the concept of media freedom and the record of anyone from Saudi in terms of human rights is something that would be of concern to us.’

Reporters without borders rank Saudi Arabia 168th out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom and claim the country has ‘no independent media’. The country is also leading the fight to close the Qatar-based news network Al Jazeera and claims the organization is funding terrorism.

Saudi investors also hold a significant stake in News Corp, publishers of The Times and The Sun.