The Lead acquires The Knot, expanding its local news network
The Lead’s roster of national and local Substack newsletters has added a new title, bringing “optimistic reporting” to North Staffordshire
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The Lead, an independent network of national and local newsletters, has acquired The Knot, a fellow Substack title launched in 2024 covering the region of North Staffordshire.
The Knot, based in Stoke-on-Trent and focused on optimistic and independent reporting, will continue under editor Helen Dalley, and founder James Routledge will stay on to advise the team.
This move follows The Lead’s recent launch of The Valleys Lead in South Wales and adds to its growing network of local titles in Blackpool, Lancashire, Teesside, Southport, and Calderdale.
The Lead’s award-winning local editions have been recognised for tackling issues like health, inequality, and the environment in communities.
The Knot will retain its unique voice while benefiting from the network’s in-depth journalism and collaborative approach. Local editions are published twice weekly via Substack, using a part-paywalled model.
This article was drafted by an AI assistant before it was edited by a human.
Written by
Jacob Granger is the community editor of JournalismUK