This week we are celebrating two promotions here at The Independent, announcing the launch of our new podcast with Sky News and taking a look at two music partnerships for 2024.
The Independent is pleased to announce the promotion of Oliver Wheatley to Commercial Director in the UK. His new position contains two broad remits – leading both trading and sales – and he is now responsible for driving revenue across the entire UK commercial business, reporting into Andrew Morley, Chief Revenue Officer.
Oliver says: “2024 is going to be a remarkable year for The Independent. It’s a privilege to take hold of the commercial reins during an extraordinary time in our story, backed by a brilliantly talented team who are passionate about our unique brand, capabilities and audience.”
Meanwhile, in the US, Kylie Hamilton-Hill becomes VP, East Coast. Reporting into Blair Tapper, Kylie will develop the New York commercial team and opportunities during this critical period of US growth. Kylie remarks: “Independent values – particularly trust and objectivity – have never been needed more, and it’s essential to back high quality, fully independent journalism in this election year and beyond. I’m looking forward to building even deeper relationships with brands and businesses, and showing what our incredible team can accomplish.”
Full press release here.
Sky News and The Independent have launched a new four-part podcast series, Patient 11. Narrated by Nicholas Pinnock, it tells the story of autism patient Alexis Quinn’s daring escape from NHS psychiatric care. Our investigation reveals the scale of sexual abuse allegations in care across the country, with almost 20,000 claims in just four years.
Geordie Greig, The Independent’s Editor-In-Chief, comments: “This investigation highlights a shocking abuse of patients who are the most vulnerable people in society. The results of this campaign by investigative reporters from The Independent and Sky News must lead to a government action and a reform of how mental health hospitals are run and governed. I am very proud of the extraordinary work carried out by the journalists involved but appalled that such failings to those most in need have occurred.”
Learn more here.
The Independent has announced that it is partnering with the Black Deer Festival of Americana for the second year running. The event, which is situated in the beautiful Eridge Park in Kent from 14 to 16 June 2024, is curated by music lovers, for music lovers.
Black Deer is at the heart and forefront of the rapid and influential rise of Americana in the UK and beyond — comprising the very best of country, folk, bluegrass, roots and blues. Last year’s edition saw Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, The Pretenders and Bonnie Raitt headline the weekend and this year’s lineup is off to a stellar start with global icon Sheryl Crow confirmed for Saturday night. More acts to be announced soon.
Full press release here.
The Independent is also the official news partner of the SO.CO Image of Music Awards. Now in its second year, the competition celebrates the art of music photography and is open to those of all abilities.
But today is the last day to enter! Guidelines and further information are available at https://so.co/awards. Winners will be revealed at the award ceremony in London on 26 March, with The Independent’s Music Editor Roisin O’Connor on the judging panel.
