Leading article: Reader power
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The decision of major companies, including Ford, Virgin Holidays and Lloyds to cancel, suspend or reconsider advertising contracts could potentially hurt the News of the World long before any public inquiry opens.
Not that it was all the companies' own idea: the message came loud and clear through the social media that they could face a boycott of their own from customer-power. Self-interest, as so often, is at the heart of it.
While such mobilisation has much to recommend it, it would be regrettable if it were commercial reality, rather than acceptance of the ethical and legal considerations, that in the end forced the departure of Rebekah Brooks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments