The Canary, a leftwing news site, announces its closure after a 'vicious campaign against us'
The Canary, a leftwing news website, announced on Monday 19 October that it is closing, the Guardian reports. The Guardian quotes the site blaming a 'vicious campaign against us'. Press Gazette reported that the site said on 4 September it was suspending operations after a second bank account was blocked. Press Gazette also reported that the site had said Lloyds debanked it in June and that it suspended its weekday print newspaper in July. Neither bank gave a reason, according to Press Gazette. Staff told the Guardian that only about £400,000 of a £2m investment remained.
Online news sites depend on payments, advertising and bank accounts, so losing access to banking can end a small publisher quickly. Whether the cause was a campaign or finances is disputed between the site and its critics.
If you read independent or partisan news sites, the closure shows how fragile their funding can be. Check which outlets you rely on and how they are paid for.
The Canary's view, as the Guardian reports it, is that a 'vicious campaign against us' forced the closure.
Press Gazette's reporting points to the finances: the loss of two bank accounts, the end of the print edition and a falling investment balance.
Confirmed: the closure announcement and the 4 September suspension. Not confirmed: who was behind the alleged campaign. Watch for any statement from the banks and from staff.
DailyDrop U.K. edition No. 16 · Morning · TUE., OCT. 20, 2026