The i Paper: A Legacy of Impartial Journalism in the UK
In an era of increasingly polarized media, The i Paper has carved out a unique niche in the British press. Launched as a compact, accessible alternative to traditional broadsheets, it focuses on delivering impartial news and intelligent debate. By prioritizing fact-based reporting over political endorsement, it has become one of the most trusted news brands in the United Kingdom.
Key Facts
- Founded: 26 October 2010.
- Political Stance: Strictly non-partisan and neutral.
- Current Owner: DMG Media (since 2019).
- Format: Compact tabloid-size.
- Editor: Oliver Duff.
- Circulation: 116,446 as of September 2025.
The Evolution of The i
The i was first announced by The Independent in October 2010 and hit newsstands on October 26, 2010, with an initial price of 20p. Designed to attract "lapsed readers of quality papers," it combined high-quality journalism with a convenient compact format. Over the years, the publication expanded its offerings, introducing a Saturday edition in May 2011 and later revamping its weekend product into the iweekend.
The paper's pricing evolved to reflect the rising costs of print materials. From its 20p start, weekday prices rose to 30p in 2014, 50p in 2016, and eventually 60p by September 2017. The iweekend followed a similar trajectory, eventually reaching £1.20 by September 2019.
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Ownership and Transitions
The ownership of The i has shifted several times since its inception. Originally linked to The Independent, it was acquired by Johnston Press in 2016 for approximately £24 million. Following Johnston Press's administration filing in November 2018, control passed to JPIMedia. On November 29, 2019, DMG Media (part of the Daily Mail and General Trust group) purchased the paper and its website for £49.6 million.
Commitment to Political Neutrality
One of the most defining characteristics of The i is its non-partisan approach. While some describe it as having a centre-left outlook, Editor Oliver Duff has consistently maintained that the paper pursues strict political impartiality. Unlike the majority of British national newspapers, The i refuses to endorse political parties during general elections, a policy maintained through the 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2024 elections.
This commitment to neutrality extended to the 2016 UK European Union membership referendum, where the paper declined to support either the "Leave" or "Remain" campaigns. The goal is to provide a platform for diverse opinions, allowing readers to form their own conclusions based on facts.
Reputation and Digital Growth
The i has earned significant critical acclaim, being named National Newspaper of the Year at the 2015 News Awards. Its commitment to quality has been reflected in various trust polls; in 2018, it was ranked as the second-most trusted news brand in the UK, and by March 2019, it became the most trusted digital news brand online.
The digital presence of the paper, inews.co.uk, saw explosive growth. At the start of 2018, the site attracted two million unique viewers, a figure that surged to 5.2 million by November of that year. This digital success continued into 2025, when the redesigned website won "Website of the Year" at the Press Awards.
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Summary of Publication Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| ISSN | 2051-3755 |
| Headquarters | Northcliffe House, London, UK |
| Classification | Quality / Compact |
| Website | inews.co.uk |
| Peak Circulation | 302,757 (March 2013) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does The i Paper endorse political candidates?
No. The i is the only national newspaper in the UK that has never supported a political party and has pledged to maintain this neutrality in all general elections.
Who currently owns The i?
The i is currently owned and published by DMG Media, which is part of the Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) group.
What is the difference between The i and The Independent?
The i was launched as a sister paper to The Independent. While The Independent eventually shifted to a digital-only model, The i continued as a physical compact newspaper.
How has the circulation of The i changed over time?
The paper saw a peak average daily circulation of 302,757 in March 2013, which later declined to 116,446 by September 2025.
What awards has The i won?
The i has won several prestigious awards, including National Newspaper of the Year (2015), Gold for Media Brand of the Year (2019), and Website of the Year (2025).