Two local journalists who have lived in south-east London for a combined total of 28 years have decided to create free local newspaper called the Camberwell Clarion and are aiming to launch in February 2022
They even created a ‘Kickstarter’ page to help with funding. In terms of the fundraising they stated on their ‘Kickstarter’ “In order to get The Camberwell Clarion off the ground, we have launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise £5,000… It is the minimum amount we need to help cover the bulk of our costs for the first two issues – including journalism, photography, design, illustration, printing and distribution.” They further stated: “If we manage to raise a sum in excess of £5,000, we will invest any surplus funds into helping produce future editions, and keeping the project alive throughout 2022. As with our other three titles, we will then rely purely on advertising revenue to stay in print.”
So far, they have received £7,547 of the £5,000 goal with 165+ supporters. According to their ‘Kickstarter’ people should choose to read their paper because: “Our pages will be filled with grassroots, on-the-ground reporting and unique stories and interviews that are 100 per cent about Camberwell and its people, rather than generic content driven by press releases.”
The Camberwell Clarion stated: “We want The Camberwell Clarion to shine a spotlight on the people and places whose stories are untold, whilst being also supporting local businesses, community groups and events.” They want to be able to stand for the whole community and plunge the reader in the culture of Camberwell and be as inclusive as possible by making it free to read. They also commented: “The paper will be stocked by a wide variety of local businesses and will be free so the whole of the community can read it.”
In addition to the Clarion, they currently run three hyperlocal newspapers called The Peckham Peculiar, The Dulwich Diverter and The Lewisham Ledger, which were launched in January 2014, May 2016 and June 2018 respectively. The featured video is a film made by BBC Breakfast the same day that we launched The Peckham Peculiar. All three publications were successfully funded via Kickstarter thanks to around 150 generous backers each time. Like these titles, The Camberwell Clarion will be a printed newspaper that will be published six times a year.
Camberwell is a culturally diverse neighbourhood with a rich history. It is alive with community, flowing with creativity, fresh with green spaces and buzzing with independent businesses and wonderful food and drink. They said “The publication will be colourful, bright, lively, well photographed and designed, energetic and well researched with original and creative content.” Readers will also be able to keep up-to-date with daily local news, views and other stories online via their social media pages and blogs. If you would like to keep up to date with the Clarion follow them on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook – all @camberwellnews
Moreover, they believe that local newspapers play a vital role in the communities they serve, giving people a voice and a platform and, crucially, holding councils to account. They also celebrate the area and the people, helping to bring those who live and work in Camberwell, closer together.
On their ‘Kickstarter’ page they highlight the risks and challenges stating: “There’s no risk. If you support the project and we don’t reach our target, no money leaves your account. We will then have to look at alternative ways of getting the project off the ground, such as individual sponsorship and speaking to local businesses about advertising from the off. But to tell you the truth, it really wouldn’t be the same without you!”
