...then the paper closes anyway

Dave Gorman resigned from his column with the News Of The World before the paper's closure was announced this afternoon.

The comic has written for the paper since April, and when Chortle asked his agents Avalon about his role with the paper earlier today, they confirmed: ‘Dave won't be continuing the column.’

But hours later, it was announced he would have no paper to write for anyway, as the shock decision was made to close the 168-year-old title.

News International chairman James Murdoch stunned staff when he told them: ‘I have important things to say about the News of the World and the steps we are taking to address the very serious problems that have occurred.

After praising staff, he said: ‘The good things the News of the World does, however, have been sullied by behaviour that was wrong. Indeed, if recent allegations are true, it was inhuman and has no place in our company.

‘The News of the World is in the business of holding others to account. But it failed when it came to itself. Wrongdoers turned a good newsroom bad and this was not fully understood or adequately pursued.

‘Having consulted senior colleagues, I have decided that we must take further decisive action with respect to the paper.

‘This Sunday will be the last issue of the News of the World. Colin Myler will edit the final edition of the paper.

‘In addition, I have decided that all of the News of the World’s revenue this weekend will go to good causes. While we may never be able to make up for distress that has been caused, the right thing to do is for every penny of the circulation revenue we receive this weekend to go to organisations – many of whom are long-term friends and partners – that improve life in Britain and are devoted to treating others with dignity.

‘We will run no commercial advertisements this weekend. Any advertising space in this last edition will be donated to causes and charities that wish to expose their good works to our millions of readers.

‘These are strong measures. They are made humbly and out of respect. I am convinced they are the right thing to do.’

Gorman has written a light-hearted column for the paper called Dave Gorman’s News Week every Sunday since April.

But the scandal of investigators working for the paper hacking into the voicemails of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, victims of the 7/7 terrorist bombs and relatives of members of the armed forces killed in action prompted a campaign to boycott the paper.

Before today's announcement firms including Sainsbury's, O2, Specsavers, Dixons, Ford and Npower suspended advertising, and The Royal British Legion has its ties without he paper.

With 2.6million weekly sales, the News Of The World is Britain's second best-selling title, after sister paper The Sun.

Published: 7 Jul 2011