It’s been a busy month at Independent Media, that has seen iconic brand The Standard join the ever-growing media group. We’re also marking Earth Day as well sharing news on new deals and new partnerships.
This week, Independent Media today announced 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.
Find out more by reading the official press release.
To mark Earth Day today, The Independent is supporting the charity WaterAid and its vital work bringing clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to communities around the world. The Independent has donated £20,000 in advertising to help amplify WaterAid’s message and reach new audiences.
WaterAid is an international non-profit with one goal: to change the world through water. It works alongside communities in 22 countries, setting up entire systems for millions of people. More information here.
For the fifth consecutive year, The Standard has partnered with AXA for the ‘AXA Startup Angel’ initiative – a national, multi-platform campaign.
This year’s competition offers six opportunities to win. The two most impressive ventures will each receive the top prize, which includes £25,000, expert mentoring from the AXA Startup Angels, exclusive access to a mental health and resilience webinar provided by AXA Health and a year of business insurance, thanks to AXA.
Visit The Standard to find out more including how to enter.
The Independent kicks off its 2026 festival season announcing its exclusive news partnership with The Great Escape for a fourth year running. This year’s festival celebrates 20 years of The Great Escape, once again bringing the most exciting new music to Brighton’s best-loved venues.
The Independent will host the official welcome party with independent artist, Marlee, on Brighton beach on 13 May, as well as presenting the Spotlight Show featuring Peaches at the Brighton Dome Concert Hall, and The Independent Stage at Daltons. The Independent’s Music Editor, Roisin O’Connor will host a keynote conversation with Peaches and ILĀ.
Tickets are on sale now.
In other festival news, The Independent has announced it will be the exclusive news partner of brilliant family festival Camp Bestival for the second year running. This year’s lineup includes the legendary Fatboy Slim, who will make a much-anticipated return to the festival on the Sunday with the first Fatboy Slim and Friends All Day Castle Stage takeover. Example and Bastille play on Saturday evening, while Self Esteem and Billy Ocean will take to the stage on Friday night.
Shakira Akabusi, women’s health expert and host of The Independent’s fitness channel Strong Like Mum, will be appearing at the festival at The Library, Camp Bestival’s space for conversations around culture, literature and more.Â
Tickets are on sale now.
The Independent is delighted to announce its debut partnership with The Purpose Awards 2026. The Purpose Awards recognises campaigns that use creativity and bold ideas to further positive causes, celebrating the organisations behind them.
The Purpose Awards’ winners will be revealed at an awards ceremony on Thursday 4 June at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London.
The shortlist is now live and tickets are available for booking.
