The Canary News Site Announces Indefinite Closure
The Canary announced its indefinite closure on October 19, citing financial instability and operational attacks including the loss of banking services.
The left-wing news website The Canary announced its indefinite closure on October 19, 2026, stating that its situation had become unsustainable both financially and operationally. The outlet attributed the collapse to a series of attacks, including being debanked by Lloyds Bank and Metro Bank, as well as facing harassment and defamation from former staff members.
The closure is accompanied by allegations of internal financial mismanagement. While management blames external pressures for fund accessibility issues, some staff members claim a multimillion-pound investment from director Cecil Hetherington, estimated at 2 million pounds, was squandered on failed projects such as a short-lived newspaper. Employees have reported missing pension contributions and late wages, alongside pressure to sign non-negotiable non-disclosure agreements.
Chief Executive Steve Topple has denied claims of unpaid wages, asserting that all permanent employees and freelancers were paid up to date as of September 30. The Canary intends to publish a report later this week detailing the specific events that led to its closure.
