The Canary shuts indefinitely amid financial and operational pressures

The Canary has announced that it is closing indefinitely after 11 years, saying attacks, allegations and financial and operational pressures had made its position unsustainable. The decision matters to the outlet’s staff and readers, and comes amid disputes over its management and finances.

Founded in 2015, the leftwing site said Lloyds Bank blocked access to a substantial amount of its money earlier this year. Journalists have alleged that more than £2m in summer funding was spent on projects, leaving about £400,000 for the rest of the year; the company has also faced reports of late pension payments and staff concerns. Chief executive Steve Topple said permanent staff and freelancers had been paid up to 30 September, while some holiday payments were still being clarified.