Dominating the North East of England’s news sources for decades are well known local newspapers like The Evening Chronicle, The Northern Echo, and The Journal.
But these ‘local’ publications are in fact owned by national and multinational media organisations.
For example, did you know the Evening Chronicle and The Journal is owned by Trinity Mirror PLC? Trinity Mirror plc is the largest British newspaper, magazine and digital publisher. Headquartered in Canary Wharf, London and listed on the London Stock Exchange.
The Northern Echo is owned by Newsquest, whose parent company is the Gannett Company, Inc. a publicly traded American media holding company headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia.
The North East of England’s news organisations are filtered and dominated by outside influences.
One North East England based Startup, Firefly New Media UK have a new approach to local news here in the region. In just a few years they’ve published thousands of articles in print and online via their North East publications.
- Newcastle Magazine (online, the publication you’re ready right now!)
- Sunderland Magazine (online)
- Consett Magazine (online & print)
- Durham Magazine (online & print)
Locally Focused Hyper-local Journalism
Firefly’s focus is to provide hyper-local positive news and this approach seems to be paying off and unlike traditional magazines, newspapers, and publications; members of the community are encouraged to submit their own articles, stories, and news to be published.
Barrington Kirham, Firefly New Media UK’s founder had this to say in a recent statement:
Instead of focusing on crime and negativity, we’ve decided to spread positive LOCAL news. The north East has plenty of good news, so we’re making that our focus and leaving the doom and gloom behind.
Firefly New Media UK are aiming to disrupt media here in the region and bring local news back into the hands of North East people.
To get involved and submit an article to one of these North East publications, simply visit one of firefly’s online magazine websites and click the link at the top of the page labelled “submit your story”.
To find out more about how to advertise your business in the North East visit Firefly New Media’s local magazines page.