STORY
The Canary has announced that it is closing indefinitely, saying financial and operational pressures have made its position unsustainable. The left wing news outlet said the closure took effect on Monday 19 October, describing the decision after 11 years as one taken with “deep sadness and regret”.
The announcement follows banking difficulties which the publication said prevented it from accessing funds and paying some staff. In September, the Canary announced a suspension of operations after reporting restrictions on a Metro Bank account, following earlier problems with Lloyds. Metro Bank declined to comment when approached by The New Arab at the time. The Canary attributed its payment difficulties to the banking restrictions.
In its latest statement, the publication also blamed disputes involving former employees and alleged a campaign against its team. Those allegations represent the organisation’s account of events. Despite announcing an indefinite closure, the Canary indicated that it intended to publish a further explanation later this week and did not rule out a return. No reopening date was given.