Camden New Journal

THE independent Camden New Journal is fiercely resisting the idea that local newspapers are on the way out by doubling down on our campaigning, investigative journalism. We remain committed to the idea that if costs must be cut, this must not mean the loss of reporters and we retain a thriving newsroom in the heart of our community. We have a circulation of close to 50,000 each week and an e-reader version, but perhaps the best signal of the engagement is the four to five pages of readers’ letters we publish every week. Stats from Camden Council show we reach more than one in every two people in the borough, which is why we still attract a healthy advertising and sponsorship income. We take that responsibility seriously, attending all the council meetings, coroner’s inquests and important court cases. We are proud of the active role we take which can be illustrated in many ways but perhaps best with our work organising a funeral service for a homeless woman who froze to death on the streets. She had no family, so, with a community in shock, we stepped in and held the service in a local church. It brought everybody together for reflection. We have also organised our own ‘London COP’ conference, which was a day of free climate talks that helped simplify this often frightening topic for residents. We’ve campaigned too for those affected by the chaotic HS2 disruption, and have run a series of special, inclusive issues including for the Windrush celebrations and LGBT+ history month. We are proud of our International Women’s Day edition which was written exclusively, from start to end, by female writers. How many papers can say they’ve had an issue like that, and we were lucky enough to have freelance contributions alongside our staff’s work, from the likes of Joan Bakewell, Bonnie Greer and Kathy Lette – famous faces who live locally and love the CNJ just as much as everyone else. This all doesn’t mean we are not there for the tenants with damp and mould – we’ve covered hundreds of stories on behalf of those often struggling to be heard. We have a strong arts section which does not ignore up and coming grassroots talent. We are the only local paper in London following our councillors up to the political conferences, but we are just as happy covering all the bread and butter meetings back home on planning and licensing. Our sports section has Arsenal and Spurs on the doorstep, but has a strong focus on the community clubs which never forget seeing their scores published, whatever their sport. It’s been a tough year for all but we try to remain in good spirits. One of our most read stories was a crow attacking women with long hair in Gospel Oak. A reporter went to investigate and filmed a viral clip of the bird indeed swooping down on her. It may sound silly but shows we are not stuck at our desks.