A merger between the two Times newspapers has been ruled out nine months after the possibility was first mooted.
The period of uncertainty followed James Harding’s removal as Times editor and an subsequent veto by directors to install John Witherow as his replacement.
Witherow has since fulfilled the role in an acting capacity, but has finally been given the job permanently. Likewise, Martin Ivens has been confirmed as the editor of the Sunday Times.
The directors said in a statement that they “have had extended discussions with the management of News UK about the financial prospects of the Times and the Sunday Times and the company’s plans for their future.
“The Independent National Directors have received new written assurances that satisfy them that the company remains fully committed to maintaining the titles as separate newspapers, as required by the undertakings given to the Secretary of State for Trade by Mr Rupert Murdoch in 1981.”
(Source: Press Gazette)
