FINAL ISSUE

News of the World Signs Off

Apologizes for phone hacking and lapsed standards.

In its final issue, published Sunday, News of the World apologized to readers and acknowledged hacking phones, but made no mention of new allegations that staff members had paid police for information. “We praised high standards, we demanded high standards but, as we are now only too painfully aware, for a period of a few years up to 2006 some who worked for us, or in our name, fell shamefully short of those standards," the British paper wrote. "Quite simply, we lost our way. Phones were hacked, and for that this newspaper is truly sorry.” NotW also expressed optimism that its ugly end wouldn't stain its reputation forever: "When this outrage has been atoned, we hope history will eventually judge us on all our years." All the proceeds from the sale of the final issue will be split between three charities.