Join The Gazette today and join a community of engaged readers!
Our story
At The Gazette, we believe in the power of independent, inclusive and investigative journalism to make a difference. We are more than just a newspaper: we are a collective of passionate writers, editors, photographers, designers, community organisers and readers who are dedicated to bringing you thought-provoking stories, holding those in power accountable, and giving a voice to diverse perspectives from Leicester and the surrounding area.
Our journey began in 2022 when a small group of like-minded volunteers came together with a shared vision: to create a newspaper that would truly serve the needs of our local community. The old model of local journalism is broken. Too much power is concentrated in the hands of billionaire owners, and long established newspapers in the city have resorted to clickbait, sensationalism and intrusive advertising to turn a profit.
Instead, we wanted to provide a platform for voices that often go unheard, to shed light on important issues, and to celebrate the rich diversity and vibrant culture of our city.
After launching in March 2023, The Gazette has become a trusted source of high quality journalism, covering a wide range of topics including politics, education, arts and culture, sports, and more. We have newsletters, podcasts, and would like to publish video too. We strive to deliver in-depth and balanced reporting, highlighting both the challenges and the triumphs that shape our community.
Achievements so far
- Fundraising: We successfully secured more than £8,000 in grants and donations prior to our launch in March 2023, enabling us to kick-start our journalism
- Media recognition: The Gazette gained substantial exposure through various platforms, including a live interview on BBC Radio Leicester. We have been covered in esteemed industry publications such as Press Gazette, HoldTheFrontPage, journalism.co.uk, as well as local press outlets like Niche Magazine and Leicestershire Press
- High quality journalism: Through our dedicated reporting, we have shed light on crucial issues, sparking conversations and bringing about positive change in our community. We have covered the 2023 local elections, investigated unanswered 101 calls, and highlighted little known trailblazers like the Leicester Pimpernel.
We’re a co-operative. What does that mean?
At The Gazette, we operate as a co-operative, which means we are owned and governed by our members.
As a member, you receive one nominal share, representing your ownership stake, and have the power of “one member, one vote.” This democratic approach ensures that every member's opinion is valued, and decisions are made collectively, reflecting the shared interests of the community. It also allows us to maintain our commitment to independent, inclusive and investigative journalism.
There are reader members and employee members, and a board of directors made up of both types of member. Directors have limited power: but function as an advisory group for our strategy. They provide their expertise, scrutiny, and meet once every three months.
Ultimately, as is the case with all co-operatives, the power lies with the general membership.
Reader members
As a reader member, you have the opportunity to actively participate in the decision-making process of The Gazette. Your membership grants you voting rights, allowing you to have a say in important matters such as the selection of board members, strategic planning, and key editorial decisions. We believe in the power of collective wisdom and value the input of our readers in shaping the content and direction of our newspaper. Membership also grants you three different tiers of benefits, ranging from access to a member-only WhatsApp group to early registration for events.
You must be age 16 or over to become a member.
Employee members
Our employee members are at the heart of The Gazette’s day-to-day operations. They are the talented journalists, editors, photographers, designers, and other professionals who work tirelessly to bring you the stories that matter. As employee members, they have a stake in the success of our co-operative and are actively involved in its governance, like reader members.
Benefits of the co-operative model
The co-operative model allows us to operate with a unique set of principles and benefits:
- Democratic governance: Every member has an equal say in decision-making processes, fostering inclusivity and ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented
- Shared ownership: By being member-owned, we prioritise the interests of our community and readership over profit, allowing us to remain independent and focused on providing high-quality journalism
- Community engagement: Co-operatives promote community engagement and collaboration, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility
- Sustainability and longevity: The co-operative model encourages long-term sustainability by ensuring that decisions are made with the best interests of the community and the organisation in mind.
What people say
“I’m full of admiration for the team behind The Gazette. They have rapidly become an important voice for Leicester, helping fill the gap in local media. They embrace a broad range of issues, views and stories, and with your support, they could do so much more. I’d encourage everyone to become part of The Gazette community.” — Geoff Rowe, founder of Leicester Comedy Festival and reader member
“The team at The Gazette are pioneering a new sort of community-based journalism, in touch with its subscribers and dedicated to proper investigative reporting on key issues. Their co-operative, not-for-profit model is breaking new ground and working to fill the gap left by the decline of traditional media. They produce interesting, well-researched articles. Your membership funds this important work, you get to have a say in editorial decisions and access to their growing archive of content. I would recommend anyone to sign up and support them.” — Nick Carter, former editor of the Leicester Mercury and reader member
Read some of our stories
Staff
Staff
Staff
Contributor
Join us in supporting independent journalism by becoming a reader member. Stay connected with your community, gain insights into the issues that matter, and be part of the conversation that shapes our city's future.
Organisations can help too
At The Gazette, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive positive change. By becoming a sponsor, you have the opportunity to make a significant impact on our mission and the lives of those we serve. Your support enables us to provide write more, expand our reach, and create lasting change in our community. Join us as a sponsor and be a catalyst for transformative solutions. Together, we can make a real difference!
Share
Help us amplify our message by sharing our story with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Free membership
Imagine a world where acts of kindness and generosity are multiplied, creating a chain reaction of positive change. Our pay-it-forward scheme aims to do just that: some of our reader members have opted to pay for someone else’s membership for one year. Want to take advantage of free membership? Get in contact with us – no questions asked.
Get involved
Are you passionate about making a difference? Join our dedicated team of volunteers and be part of something meaningful. By volunteering your time and skills, you become an essential force driving our mission forward. Whether it's lending a helping hand at events, mentoring others, or providing valuable expertise, your contribution can have a profound impact on the newspaper.
Write for us
Are you a talented writer with a passion for social impact and local community? We invite you to pitch us your stories. By writing for The Gazette, you have the opportunity to inspire, educate, and ignite change through your words.
Buy a t-shirt
Looking for a stylish way to show your support for The Gazette? Look no further!
