The Leicester Gazette is local, independent newspaper in Leicester, UK.[1] It publishes feature articles and investigative journalism, and it runs media literacy workshops and training sessions.[2] The Leicester Gazette is a cooperative,[3] which means that its members are owners. Members pay a monthly or annual fee based on The Bristol Cable model.

Leicester Gazette
Owner(s)Multi-stakeholder co-operative
Founder(s)Rhys Everquill, Emma Guy, Megan Lupton
EditorEmma Guy
Founded3 January 2023 (registered), 31 March 2023 (launched, online)
LanguageEnglish, translatable in 100 languages including Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Polish and Arabic.
CityLeicester
Websitehttps://www.leicester.news

The Gazette was founded by Rhys Everquill, Emma Guy and Megan Lupton. It is a member of Co-operatives UK, IMPRESS, Independent Media Association, the Local Democracy Reporting Service and Social Enterprise UK.[4]

History

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The Gazette was founded by Rhys Everquill, Emma Guy and Megan Lupton after a crowdfunding campaign and a small grant from Central England Co-operative.[5][6] It was formed in opposition to the Leicester Mercury business model, which, like other Reach plc publications, has been accused of clickbait, sensationalism, and intrusive advertising.[7]

As of April 2023, membership costs £2 per month to join,[8] with the option to contribute more.[9] It has three volunteer staff members. Membership provides a means of funding the newspaper and a vote on key decisions. In return, members get access to a WhatsApp group and early access to multimedia journalism.

The newspaper has further funding from De Montfort University, Scurrah Wainwright Charity, Lush (company),[10] Midcounties Co-operative, among others. [11]

The Gazette has pledged to launch a print newspaper in 2025.[12][13]

The newspaper rebranded in September 2024, changing its name from Great Central Gazette to Leicester Gazette. It also expanded into Leicestershire.[14]

References

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  1. ^ Sharman, David. "Great Central Gazette launches with Leicester election focus - Journalism News from HoldtheFrontPage". HoldtheFrontPage. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
  2. ^ Registration of new society. Financial Conduct Authority, p5. 3 January 2023.
  3. ^ "Great Central Gazette Leicester's Co-operative Newspaper – Syston Town News". 2022-10-17. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  4. ^ Association, Independent Media (2023-02-27). "Meet our members: Great Central Gazette". IMA. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
  5. ^ Miller, Emily (2022-07-04). "Leicester's The Gazette to launch online and in print". NICHE MAGAZINE. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
  6. ^ Sharman, David. "New newspaper Great Central Gazette to launch in Leicester - Journalism News from HoldtheFrontPage". HoldtheFrontPage. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
  7. ^ "DMU graduates prepare to launch newspaper that will be". www.dmu.ac.uk. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  8. ^ Tobitt, Charlotte (27 June 2022). "Press Gazette Daily Newsletter". Press Gazette. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  9. ^ "Leicester's The Gazette to launch online and in print". NICHE MAGAZINE. 2022-07-04. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  10. ^ Sharman, David. "Great Central Gazette launches with Leicester election focus - Journalism News from HoldtheFrontPage". HoldtheFrontPage. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  11. ^ "Transparency". 2023-05-18. Archived from the original on 2023-05-18. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  12. ^ "Leicester-based newspaper, The Gazette has today announced it will launch online in early 2023 and later in print". Evington Echo. 2022-06-27. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  13. ^ "Newly launched news co-operative wants to boost local journalism in Leicester | Media news". www.journalism.co.uk. 2022-10-05. Retrieved 2023-05-24.
  14. ^ "The story behind our new name and look". 2024-09-27. Archived from the original on 2024-09-27. Retrieved 2024-10-03.
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