[3] "Ir" was founded to continue the tradition of independent journalism at Diena.

It caused journalists and editorial staff to leave and found "Ir" as a new independent initiative.

In order to guarantee journalistic independence, AS „Cits medijs”, the legal owner behind Ir, is governed by strict rules regarding shareholding and ethics.

Other notable shareholders include Ints Siliņš, former US ambassador to Latvia.

Cofounder and president of the board is Pauls Raudseps, a Latvian-American who co-founded Diena in 1990.