Three journalists have revealed plans to set up a new network of hyperlocal newspapers in their city after launching a fundraising campaign.

HTFP reported in June how the Great Central Gazette was being set up by three De Montfort university graduates to cover Leicester as a digital project, with a print launch to follow.

Now, the Gazette’s founders have launched a crowdfunding campaign in a bid to get it off the ground next year, alongside a pledge to help create a network of hyperlocal titles to cover the city in future.

They are hoping to raise an initial £2,500 for the campaign and plan to run the Gazette on a cooperative model inspired by similar city news titles including the Bristol Cable and Manchester Mill.

From left: Great Central gazette co-founders Emma Guy and Reece Stafferton

Co-founder Reece Safferton, who studied investigative journalism at DMU, said: “Journalism is one of the least trusted professions in the country.

“That’s exacerbated by the fact that five or six major companies dominate local newspapers.

“They don’t tell relevant stories about the communities they serve, particularly under-represented, marginalised and disadvantaged people.

“As a cooperative, everyone can become a part owner of the business and have a say in how we run.”

Leicester has historically been served by the Reach plc-owned Leicester Mercury, while a new player in the city recently entered the market in the form of Pukaar Group’s Leicester Times.

In a pitch to potential members, the Gazette’s team have pledged to set up the Leicester Media Awards, which will recognise local artists, filmmakers, writers and podcasters, while also stating their intention to “engage the community through workshops and create a network of hyperlocal newspapers”.

Reece, who is joined on the Gazette’s launch team by fellow DMU graduates Emma Guy and Anna Roberts-Finn, told HTFP: “We’re looking at creating an information sharing network between hyperlocal newspapers, magazines and radio stations to keep everyone’s finger on the city’s pulse.

“We want to know the big stories before they happen, and we believe this is one way to stay informed. There’ll also be a back-end sharing of resources dedicated to promoting the work of independent media.

“The UK media is dominated by organisations which are owned by a small number of big companies, creating fierce competition when it comes to start-up media organisations like ourselves.

“To reduce this barrier and create more hyperlocal publications in Leicester we hope the transparent and open sharing of technology, information, support, advice and contacts will pave the way for a vibrant independent media community in Leicester.”