Independent Media today announces it has completed a landmark long-term deal to run the digital operations of The Standard, which will also see the group manage all print advertising.

The partnership brings together one of the world’s most successful digital media pioneers with an almost 200-year-old London title that is globally renowned and a trusted guide to life in the greatest city on earth.

The new Standard Digital operation includes digital journalism, commercial solutions, ad tech and data management, along with Standard Studio, which will develop IP across podcasts, social video channels and newsletters. This follows the launch of Independent Studio a year ago, as the home of The Independent’s talent-led media, including the acclaimed politics podcast In The Room and award-winning YouTube football channel ACFC.

While Independent Media will also manage print advertising as part of the deal, The Standard’s print editorial will continue to be operated by Evening Standard Limited, which remains a separate company.

The deal comes as The Independent marks 10 years of profit and growth since becoming a fully digital publisher in 2016, doubling revenue and profit over the past five years.

This is the latest brand deal struck by Independent Media as it pursues an ambitious strategy focused on strengthening its position as a global leader in the digital media landscape. Since March 2024, it has operated BuzzFeed, HuffPost, Tasty and Seasoned in the UK and Ireland in a deal that has taken these titles into immediate growth and profit.

Independent Media’s brands – The Independent, The Standard, Bulletin, HuffPost UK, BuzzFeed UK, Tasty UK, IndyBest, indy100 and Seasoned – now reach more than 500 million users globally.

For advertisers, the partnership creates a unified, scaled platform with global reach and local relevance, combining trusted journalism, high-engagement talent-led IP, high-impact print, experiential activations, and advanced digital capabilities.

Christian Broughton, CEO of Independent Media, says: “Together, Independent Media’s titles serve highly engaged global audiences with trusted journalism delivered through world-class premium brands, and through a dedication to innovation, technology and creativity.

“The addition of The Standard brings even more opportunities for our business and for our partners – this is an incredibly exciting moment.”