The Independent today celebrates its 40th anniversary as a global force in news, continuing its spirit of innovation, disruption and free thinking.
Founded in 1986 as a bold alternative to the mainstream, establishment media, The Independent continues to set new standards for excellence.
Free from political party allegiance and proprietor influence, its truly independent journalism gives audiences around the world the freedom to form and express their own opinions – by giving journalists, commentators and creators the freedom to report the world as they see it, without the ideological bias still found in so much of the media today.
That journalism now takes many forms – documentaries, podcasts, newsletters, YouTube shows, social media and of course the written word – all trusted by audiences around the world.
Geordie Greig, The Independent’s Editor-in-Chief, said: “The Independent started as a disruptor in the news industry and that spirit of innovation has never left us. We are proud of being ahead of the game as to how we reach our viewers, listeners and readers. We may have started with traditional print but today we move across multiple platforms and had a staggering 13 billion views across all our platforms last year.
“We move fast with ideas and reporting and also with our new Studio division which seeks new markets, new revenues and new Independent Members who subscribe. What remains constant is our values to be the most trusted news company which is why we are so proud for 40 years to be called and to be The Independent.”
Christian Broughton, Chief Executive of The Independent said: “The Independent is needed now more than ever. Our audiences and Members come to us because they trust us – they want to think for themselves and form their own opinions. They know that knowledge is power, but only if you can be sure you are not a target for manipulation.
“We inform and entertain across the serious subjects and all of life, with great passion and innovation, driven by our mission. Today we reach more people than our founders could have imagined, through our documentaries, podcasts, newsletters, social media, YouTube shows and our websites and apps. So much has changed since 1986, but the spirit of Independence is stronger than ever.”
The Independent’s 40th programme – which declares “Independent then. Independent now. Celebrating 40 years of free thinking” – is as follows.
Editorial
The anniversary will be marked through a series of special features and content across The Independent, alongside guest pieces from free thinkers and figures central to The Independent’s remarkable story, including former editors.
Starting on Sunday, writers will chart the enormous changes that have happened since the foundation of The Independent – and interrogate the forces shaping our rapidly evolving and volatile world.
Meanwhile, IndyBest, The Independent’s consumer and product recommendation platform, will publish pieces which examine game-changing products and world-altering technology from the past 40 years, whilst looking at what’s coming next.
Independent Membership
The doors of The Independent will be opened to Members, giving them access to expert journalists, covering everything from war in the Middle East to the inside story of the Burnham government and the scandal rocking Manchester City.
The Inside The Independent series will allow Members to ask the questions and put them at the heart of our newsroom.
Meanwhile, The Independent’s first ever film season, at the ICA, will be celebrated on 19 October with an exclusive pre-event for Independent Members. It will feature a special reception, on-stage conversation between The Independent’s Editor-in-Chief Geordie Greig and much-loved author Helen Fielding, and a screening of Bridget Jones’ Diary – whose protagonist was famously created by Helen in The Independent newsroom and which features a scene filmed at the ICA.
Membership is open to all, with the top ‘All Access’ tier available for six months available for just £1. See independent.co.uk/membership
Celebrating Free Thinkers – a festival presented by The Independent at ICA London
The theme of free thinking will come to life through a week of film, conversation and culture at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) from 20–25 October, presented by The Independent.
The public ICA programme will include documentaries, premieres and special screenings, including Geordie Greig’s Cancelled: The Rise and Fall of Aung San Suu Kyi, a new Independent Studio documentary Wombs of Debt, Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin, Lovers Rock by Steve McQueen, Peter Wollen’s Friendship’s Death, Shōhei Imamura’s Stolen Desire and Orlando directed by Sally Potter, with panels featuring The Independent’s journalists and high-profile guests.
Independent Members will receive special discounts across the series.
Henley Literary Festival
The Independent has returned as exclusive news partner of the Henley Literary Festival which runs until 11 October. The Independent’s political podcast In the Room, hosted by political insiders Cleo Watson and Helen MacNamara, is in conversation with former Prime Minister Theresa May (8 October). And throughout the programme, The Independent’s journalists have been hosting conversations on stage with leading free thinking writers and public figures including Lorraine Kelly, Kate Mosse, Zahra Joya, and Michael and Clare Morpurgo.
Anniversary reception
The anniversary celebrations will include a private party at the British Museum, bringing together select guests who have helped shape The Independent’s 40-year history and its future. The event will feature a private view of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Outernet exhibition: 40 moments from 40 years
This exhibition from The Independent at Outernet London looks back over the past 40 years via a powerful collection of never-before exhibited photography and iconic front covers, bringing together the stories, people and moments that have shaped our world – and the news The Independent has both reported on and helped make. From defining historical events to the individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world today, the exhibition invites visitors to pause, reflect and reconsider the last four decades through a unique Independent lens. And, as we look back at where we have been, the exhibition also asks us to look forward: what might the next 40 years bring?
Opening on 19 October and shown on the most advanced screens in the world throughout the rest of October, the exhibition at Outernet London – one of the UK’s most visited tourist attractions – is free to attend. Screening times will be available at https://hereldn.com/events/.
The UK Black Comms Network and The Independent present An Evening with Symeon Brown
The Independent’s anniversary month coincides with Black History Month UK and The Independent is marking this with an exclusive event centring the Black community through the lens of free thinking. In partnership with The Independent, the UK Black Comms Network will host An Evening With Symeon Brown on Wednesday 28 October in London.
Symeon Brown, Channel 4 News Home Affairs correspondent and author of The Good, the Black and the Boujee: How Black Britain Became Middle Class, will join an audience of communicators, creatives and industry leaders for an honest conversation about ambition, class and what “Black excellence” really costs.
40 for Change – advertising for charities
No programme of Independent activity would be complete without a charity element – since campaigning and fundraising are in its DNA.
As part of The Independent’s 40th anniversary celebrations, eligible charities* can receive a 40% discount on advertising booked in October 2026 (*subject to terms and conditions). For more information about this offer, please email advertising@independent.co.uk.
Readly partnership
The Independent is opening its archive for a special retrospective collection with Readly, the digital magazine and newspaper app. People can travel through four decades of history, from the collapse of Communism and the Berlin Wall, to cultural touchstones like the first appearance of Bridget Jones’ Diary and exclusive artwork by Tracey Emin. Ten specially selected issues will be published in their entirety as part of this anniversary partnership. More details will be available via Readly.
