What's really going on at Indy?

22 Dec 2014

Passions often run high in newsrooms. But is that what's behind the recent spate of firings, departures and foul moods at Independent Newspapers... or is there more to it?

Just after 11pm on Thursday, 30 October 2014, Raymond Joseph, well-known local journalist, trainer and "fixer of news rooms", tweeted:

More blood on the floor at @CapeTimesSA as news editor quits amidst stories of fear & loathing in the subs & news rooms.
- Raymond Joseph (@rayjoe) October 30, 2014

And since then, things have only escalated. Sources at Independent Newspapers or 'Indy' show at least four columnists have been let go in the space of a fortnight, with the latest allegedly not even being allowed a letter of farewell/thanks to readers before being told to pack his things and exit stage right.

But trouble's been brewing for a while already. Before this we had Tony Weaver leaving, based on disciplinary action for his allegedly problematic questioning of the paper's decision to crop a rather well-known logo out of a photo:

.@Toxinews #CapeTimes wants to reserve the right to skew the news to suit their advertisers. https://t.co/aehQkn827q pic.twitter.com/c0UA0fjdcf
- Marius Avenant (@avenant_m) October 31, 2014

Since then it's just been constant less-than-flattering comments online, with the The Daily (Soft) Survé tumblr proving particularly scathing. Of course, speculation's long been rife that it's Gasant Abader leading the reaming at Indy as he's believed by some to be too close to Survé, with opinion of their relationship being none-too-high...

If you've ever had doubts about exactly how far up Iqbal Surve's ass Gasant Abader is, read this: http://t.co/KCAMGIdVSM via @brankobrkic
- Ami Kapilevich (@biobot) January 31, 2014

And let's not forget Grub Street's report that "Fear, uncertainty and paranoia have pervaded the company this year as about 30 sub-editors of about 100 were retrenched," with our own overview of a pocket of other resignations at the start of the year.

We eagerly await the full story. Whoever's next on the chopping block, we wonder... They'll join an ever-growing list, fallout from what Business Day termed 'the purge' at Independent Media earlier this year.

Leigh Andrews

About Leigh Andrews

Leigh Andrews AKA the #MilkshakeQueen, is former Editor-in-Chief: Marketing & Media at Bizcommunity.com, with a passion for issues of inclusion, belonging, and of course, gourmet food and drinks! Now follow her travel adventures on YouTube @MidlifeMeander.