Staffordshire news site will complement 'not replace' local newspapers, says founder

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.

There used to be something here that couldn't be migrated - please contact us at info@journalism.co.uk if you'd like to see this updated!

Local newspaper websites should see online news start-ups as welcome competition, the founder of a new local news site has said.

In a week where the BBC's plans for more local coverage online were labelled a potential 'cop-out' by a BBC Trust review , Journalism.co.uk spoke to Matt Taylor - a journalist taking local news into his own hands.

Taylor, who began his journalism career aged 28, set up his Staffordshire news website The RadicalPress in April.

With the local media dominated by the Stoke Sentinel newspaper and only a handful of local bloggers, Taylor said he saw a niche for local news and comment online in the area, which could hold other media to account.

“I think there is room in the local media for more voices, and think that my site can help keep the electorate informed, the people thinking, and hopefully make them have a more active part in improving things for themselves,” Taylor told Journalism.co.uk.

“I want to run stories which question authority and protect the people, in the way that the media is really supposed to, and at the same time, run positive stories, so that the people can have faith in the future of the area.”

The site has a growing roster of contributors, including local academics and an ex-mayor, and carries original multimedia content . Expansion is on the cards with sport and entertainment coverage planned and news from a wider catchment area.

Despite aiming to expand, Taylor said the local newspaper industry should not see the site as a threat to their territory.

“For a long time the Sentinel has had a monopoly in the area of North Staffordshire and any competition for them is a healthy thing, which is likely to make them more aware of ensuring they are doing what they do well,” he said.

Plans to approach local advertisers after six months could change this genial relationship, but Taylor maintains that Radical Press will be a complementary part of the local media mix.

New online offerings and existing media have an opportunity to work together to generate more opportunities for the local advertising industry, he added.

“I don’t think I’m detracting from the local newspaper industry at all. I think that I may attract some - possibly younger - readers who don’t pick up the paper at all, and others who would most likely read both. My site is more of an addition, than a replacement.”