This is a great example of traditional media and social media working together to produce a staggering outcome. The Guardian has broken a good investigative story that has dominated the week's news agenda, having a similar impact to the Daily Telegraph coverage of the MPs expenses scandal.
The remarkable thing in this case is how quickly public sentiment shaped into a social media campaign to put pressure on brands to pull their advertising from the News of the World. Added to the political pressure, this meant News International had to act.
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Before the whole world joins in, and dances gleefully on the grave of the NoW, let's not kid ourselves - other journalists from other papers have for years been engaged in highly nefarious, not to say downright illegal, activities to scoop their rivals.
Much of the publicity is simply schadenfreude at the downfall of a competitor, and ignores the good and important stories (admittedly among the titillation and tat) that it has broken during its 168 years.
Of course punitive action has to be taken against the authorisers and perpetrators of illegal journalistic practises. But I don't think it's wise for the PR industry to celebrate a paper's closure, not least because of the job losses it will involve.
I agree with Richard - it's not wise for the PR industry to celebrate a paper's closure. We also I suggest run the risk of pot and kettle...