ESI Media has announced The Independent is to become the first national newspaper title to 'move to a digital-only future'.

Evgeny Lebedev, owner of The Independent, said 'The newspaper industry is changing, and that change is being driven by readers. They're showing us that the future is digital. This decision preserves the Independent brand and allows us to continue to invest in the high quality editorial content that is attracting more and more readers to our online platforms'. The Independent's last paper edition is expected to be March 26, while the last Independent on Sunday is expected to be March 20. The i newspaper is to be sold to Johnston Press, subject to Johnston Press shareholder approval, and the announcement has no bearing on the status of the Evening Standard.