A reporter has resigned from his job on an East London weekly to launch his own hyperlocal website and newspaper.
Tim Dickens’ new venture will see him leave Archant title the Ilford Recorder to concentrate on the Brixton blog and Brixton Bugle with successful blogger Zoe Jewell.
The blog which was launched on Wednesday with the aim of creating a ‘journalistic revolution.’
This will be followed in February by free weekly title the Brixton Bugle which will be distributed to around 5,000 Commuters each Friday morning at Brixton tube station at rush hour.
The Brixton blog is a new version of a former popular blog written by Zoe who has won awards for her blogs.
Though there have been a number of local newspapers in Brixton in the past now there is only the Southwark News’ Lambeth Weekender, and the South London Press, owned by Tindle Newspapers which this week confirmed redundancies would be made at its titles.
Said Tim: “What we are trying to do is perform all the functions of a traditional newspaper, with quality journalism by trained journalists.
“Our launch comes in the week of rumours of yet more redundancies at the South London Press, the only local paper to cover Brixton.
“If this thing works, and we have had over 1,000 unique visitors in our first 24 hours, then we think we could be one of very few hyperlocal sites in London, and the UK, that generates an income to pay its editors and contributors.”
In an editorial on the blog this week Tim wrote: “We have little doubt that this is the right time to dive headlong into our ambitious plan to create Brixton’s very own hyperlocal news website.
“With news this week that the publishers of the 147-year-old South London Press have asked their editorial staff to volunteer for redundancy, the rapidly changing picture of both local and national media is clear.
“As journalists, it is certainly sad to see yet more talented and passionate staff losing their jobs at a historic organ. Sadly it’s a story we’ve all become used to.
“It was our aim from the outset for this website to perform the role of the now all but defunct traditional local paper. A focus point for all section of the community to come to and read, share and discuss. A voice that you can trust amid the frenetic tumult that is Brixton.
“Just like the Brixton that we love, news and access to information is changing radically but, in the modern context of savage public spending cuts, rioting and unrest the Brixton Blog will be at the forefront of a journalistic revolution.”
The Brixton Bugle will initially take the form of eight A4 sized black and white pages and Tim says he hopes it will pay for itself through advertising within the first month.
They have also applied for funding from the Simon Kelner Journalism Foundation to help with set up costs.
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Good luck but why do this in Brixton ? I passed through it once and, must admit, was quite relieved to see the back of the place. Still, I’m sure there are positive aspects of Brixton that need bringing to the wider world.
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To jump onto the bandwagon maybe after questioning why anyone would want to live there just three years ago.
The blog post was most insightful. I wonder if he brought up the issue of funding for the Weekender during his interview at the Southwark News last week?
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Can the editors clarify who the ‘real community’ in Brixton is which they talk about in their first post? I’m not sure if I am part of it? What facts are they basing the fear they talk about on? They say they are afraid white people who live or work in Brixton are wealthy (proof?) and are pushing who out? Poor black people? I find the whole post divisive and spurious in many respects. Even racist. To create a label ‘the real community’ implies that some people have less right than others to live there. Not very inclusive for a publication which lists amongst its ‘most cherished aims’ it wishes to ‘uphold community values at all times and to promote community groups, businesses and organisations through partnership and outreach.’
I think the editors should have shown solidarity towards fellow reporters. The attack on the South London Press, Southwark News and Streatham Guardian was unnecessary. They are established, trusted brands in the area. Also can the editors elaborate on this half-nugget- ‘the rapidly changing picture of both local and national media is clear’? What is the picture then? No need for Leveson’s inquiry into the role of the media- the Brixton Blog has the answers.
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Lambeth is one of the most tranisent borough’s in London and Brixton one of the most transient in Lambeth – something like a 30 per cent turnover in residents each year. I think the editors are targeting the people who have put down roots in Brixton and who have made it home, rather than a place to live temporarily. Sure, these people can be part of the community and I’m sure the Bugle will not go out of their way to exclude them. But it stands to reason that the paper is targeting the community that will be there in five years’ time in the hope that it can build up a loyal readership.
Good luck to them.
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Good luck Tim, let’s hope you can actually make it pay!
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