Key facts
- The Canary cited "malicious lies" and "multiple attacks" as reasons for closure.
- The outlet faced difficulties accessing funds from Lloyds Bank.
- Allegations of financial mismanagement and squandered funding were made by some staff.
- Pension contributions were reportedly late, and staff were asked to sign NDAs.
- The chief executive stated all permanent employees and freelancers were paid up to date as of September 30.
The left-wing news site The Canary has announced it will close indefinitely, citing a "vicious campaign" against it. Founded in 2015, the outlet stated it faced "malicious lies" and "multiple attacks" from former employees and external sources, making its situation "unsustainable, both financially and operationally."
Difficulties in accessing funds from Lloyds Bank earlier this year contributed to the closure. However, some journalists at The Canary alleged wider financial mismanagement, claiming that additional funding of over £2 million received over the summer had been squandered. Staff were reportedly told that most of this funding had been spent, with approximately £400,000 remaining to operate the site.
Further issues included late pension contributions and allegations that management asked staff to sign non-negotiable non-disclosure agreements. The outlet's chief executive, Steve Topple, stated that all permanent employees and freelancers were paid up to date as of September 30, and pension contributions were current.