Dale Vince plans London-wide news operation to take on ‘rightwing bias’ in the media
Green energy entrepreneur plans rescue package for the group behind the Camden New Journal, Islington Tribune and Westminster Extra The green energy entrepreneur and Labour donor Dale Vince is planning to launch a London-wide news operation, as part of a “rescue” of one of the capital’s most highly regarded local newspapers. Vince, who has vowed to take on what he sees as rightwing bias in the UK…
Labour donor and green energy entrepreneur Dale Vince is planning to launch a London-wide news operation to address what he perceives as right-wing bias in the UK media. Vince has pledged to invest "whatever it takes" to support the loss-making Camden New Journal (CNJ), Islington Tribune, and Westminster Extra. The CNJ group, which currently employs 18 people, has faced financial difficulties in recent years as major newsrooms have closed or reduced operations in the capital over the past two decades.
Vince aims to expand the Westminster edition to cover London-wide issues, potentially renaming it the north, south, east, and Westminster edition to better reach the city's diverse audience. Despite London's population of over nine million, local journalism has struggled, with major outlets like the Evening Standard shutting down daily editions in 2024 and other freesheets like the London Paper and London Lite closing in the late 2000s.
Vince's rescue package, though not yet finalized, is one of several efforts to revitalize local journalism in the city. Small, subscription-based operations, such as Jim Waterson's London Centric, have gained traction in recent years but still face financial challenges. Vince emphasized that his investment is driven by the importance of local journalism and addressing media bias, rather than financial motives.
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