Yes James! Thanks so much for highlighting this. In answer to your question at the end, we just want a fair chance to compete. We have the most-read publications in four London boroughs, but the councils in those boroughs won't allow us to even bid for statutory notice contracts.

We hold local authority to account, expose scandals, highlight inequality, promote good causes, and provide people a platform to highlight what matters to them. Help us do more by supporting us with £5 per month: enfielddispatch.co.uk/support-us

'...with ticket prices rising and less chances being taken on original material, it is heartening to be reminded that amateur theatre groups are putting on shows like this of comparable quality and for a fraction of the price.'

So well put, thank you Mary!

Thread from my colleague Mark on the current situation we're facing with our newspapers 👇

I'm a director of a social enterprise that publishes local newspapers and local news websites.

We started our first paper Waltham Forest Echo in 2014, followed by Haringey Community Press, Enfield Dispatch and BarnetPost.

We've never had rich backers. We need some help now.

medium.com/behind-local-n…

The April issue of the Waltham Forest Echo is out now! Download a PDF copy here: walthamforestecho.co.uk/download

Following the closure of Enfield Gazette & Advertiser in 2017, we wanted to ensure Enfield didn’t end up with no local journalism at all. That's why we launched Enfield Dispatch in 2018.

Now in our sixth year serving Enfield, we have to ask for some help.
enfielddispatch.co.uk/become-a-patro…

“We are trying to find a way to save local journalism while keeping it free to access, as we consider it to be a public service.”

That's me, quoted in this 👇 theguardian.com/media/2024/mar…

We have *no* shareholders and *no* wealthy backers; we are run by a small but dedicated team as part of a not-for-profit community interest company. Help us grow by supporting us with a monthly donation: enfielddispatch.co.uk/support-us

Bit of bedtime reading. Grateful to William Hague for raising the issue. Ultimately, if we want #localNews , #BuyAPaper

🚨 Some personal news: today was my first day as #LDreporter at Waltham Forest Echo. I’ll be covering the London boroughs of Waltham Forest, Havering and Redbridge. I’m thrilled to take it on — and if you’ve got a tale to tell, get in touch: [email protected]. 1/2

Thanks to David Floyd and James Cracknell for taking me on at the Waltham Forest Echo and for pushing such a refreshing approach to local news at Social Spider. I’d urge anyone living in Waltham Forest, Enfield, Barnet or Haringey to support their paper as a member, you won’t regret it!

Your March Barnet Post is out now!

Pick up your copy: barnetpost.co.uk/pick-up/

Download your copy: barnetpost.co.uk/download/

Support us: barnetpost.co.uk/support-us/

Advertise: barnetpost.co.uk/advertise/

Are you applying for a new premises licence for your Enfield business? We can help promote your licence application. Email [email protected] to find out more.

🗞️ Local media people: I'm giving evidence to this House of Lords inquiry next week.

They want to know about the state of local news and the challenges and threats publishers face. If any indy publishers want to chat before my appearance on Tuesday, please get in touch.

Council says Barnet FC “has to be realistic” about stadium plans

Chairman Tony Kleanthous put out a statement on Monday announcing plans to end the club’s “ten-year exile” in Harrow

barnetpost.co.uk/2024/02/21/cou…