A "world first" mobile experience aims to give members curated discussions and community connections within a privacy-focused platform
This article was migrated from an old version of our website in 2025. As a result, it might have some low-quality images or non-functioning links - if there's any issues you'd like to see fixed, get in touch with us at info@journalism.co.uk.
The Bristol Cable has launched a new combined news and social networking app, currently in beta for both Android and iOS. The app is designed to deepen member engagement and support the Cable’s goal of doubling its membership to 5,000 by 2030.
Developed in partnership with journalism charity Newsmast, the app is available to all existing Bristol Cable members, who can sign in using their usual credentials. No new accounts are required.
It claims to be a "world first" effort to offer a hybrid news-reading and social-networking experience within one app.
Key features:
Integrated news experience: The homescreen mirrors the Bristol Cable's website, featuring all the familiar news sections, top stories, and in-app article and podcast playback.
Following section: Users can view posts from other *Cable* members, staff, and a wider network of social media users.
Channels section: Curated topic-based feeds, managed by Newsmast, aggregate posts on themes such as climate change and knowledge sharing.
Open-protocol integration: The app connects with Bluesky and Mastodon, giving access to a network of around 10 million users, while maintaining privacy controls.
Privacy and moderation: Users can restrict where their comments appear (within the app or on external platforms), block or unfollow accounts, and manage their visibility.
So what?
The app is central to the Cable’s strategy to become financially self-sufficient by increasing member income and reducing reliance on donor funding.
It aims to offer a safer, more meaningful alternative to mainstream social media, addressing member concerns about toxicity and algorithm-driven feeds.
Newsmast’s model allows news organisations to build proprietary community spaces, reducing dependence on third-party platforms. The Bristol Cable is a significant first test case for Newsmast, with plans to expand to other news publishers.
Operations lead Jaldeep Katwala says the app is a response to both member feedback and broader dissatisfaction with existing social platforms.
"We think this is the first time a news app has a built-in social media channel," Katwala told Journalism.co.uk. "It’s about creating a gentler, more constructive space for discussion, rooted in our local community."
The effort bears some resemblance to now-defunct The Lincolnite's MyLocal platform, though. Launched in 2023, the platform attempted to harness the power of editorial and user-generated content, with neighbourhood groups of users able to share local information. However, the platform closed after The Lincolnite went bust.
What now?
The app was announced to members at the Cable's AGM tonight (9 October 2025), with a public rollout planned by the end of the month.
Feedback from the beta will inform further development, and Newsmast is exploring partnerships with other news providers.
This launch signals a potential shift in how local news organisations can build and own their digital communities, offering a model for others seeking to reduce reliance on major social platforms and foster healthier online discourse.
This article was drafted with the help of an AI assistant before it was edited by a human
