The sustainability of local journalism is a question hot on the lips of journalists and editors right across the industry.
As the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport stated in its report into the aforementioned topic, local journalism has been in decline during the past two decades.
More than 320 local newspaper titles closed between 2009 and 2019, a trend likely to have been accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic
In the East Midlands, however, one new title is set to buck the trend.
The Great Central Gazette – a not-for-profit newspaper – aims to bring fresh city news to Leicester and will be written by local people, for local people.
The Gazette was founded last year by De Montfort University graduates Reece Stafferton, Emma Guy and Megan Lupton and is set to launch next month.
Co-founder Stafferton told the LGBTQ+ Journalism Network all about the Gazette – and why an LGBTQ+ team is important part of the publication.
Words by Reece Stafferton
The Great Central Gazette is an independent investigative newspaper based in Leicester. It was founded in 2022 by Emma, Megan and I who were passionate about uncovering the truth and giving a voice to local marginalised communities.
The newspaper was born out of a desire to provide in-depth coverage of local issues, such as housing and poverty, that were not being adequately addressed by the legacy press. Our team believes that by giving a platform to these stories, they could help bring about positive change in our community.
One of the key aims of the Gazette is to provide a space for underrepresented voices. This includes a focus on LGBTQ+ issues, which is why having an LGBTQ+ team at the start was important to our founding members. We recognise that LGBTQ+ people often face discrimination and marginalisation in society, and we want to ensure that the newspaper is inclusive and welcoming to all.
When the Gazette formally launches later this year, our LGBTQ+ team will work to ensure that the newspaper covers stories that are relevant to the LGBTQ+ community, such as hate crimes, discrimination, and the fight for equal rights. We will also work to provide a platform for LGBTQ+ voices, which can be difficult to find in the mainstream media.
Having an LGBTQ+ team at the start of the newspaper is great because it shows a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. It sends a message that the newspaper is open and welcoming to all, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is important because it can help to create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ people, who may not feel comfortable sharing their stories in other media outlets.
I’m looking forward to launching the Gazette this year. If you’re an early career LGBTQ+ journalist in Leicester, get in touch. I want to hear from you!
Want to find out more about the Great Central Gazette? Follow its Twitter and donate to its Crowdfunder.
LGBTQ+ Journalism Network 