The founder of the independent title Hackney Citizen is to launch a sister title covering London’s Tower Hamlets area saying “there is room for another paper” in the area.
The East End Citizen, a free monthly title, will launch this week with a print run of 10,000 copies.
Founder Keith Magnum, said: “The business case is there. We think there is room for another paper. Hackney Citizen has done great in scrutinising the powers that be. The East End Citizen will cover news, politics, arts and culture.”
Advertisers in the first issue, which will run to 24 pages, include the University of East London, Sadler’s Wells Theatre and local businesses.
Magnum said that the Hackney Citizen had scored some hits with its coverage of the Bishopsgate Goodsyard development.
“We would like to do the same thing all over again,” said Magnum, who launched the Hackney Citizen eight years ago.
Published by Citizen Enterprises, the East End Citizen will go up against paid-for title East London Advertiser, free title East End Life and the Wharf, the Mirror-group owned title which is largely focused on workers in Canary Wharf and the Docklands.
The Hackney Citizen doesn’t yet make money. “Every time we turn a profit we take someone else on,” added Magnum.
The East End Citizen, which will be produced by freelance journalists, will be stocked in cafes, shops, business and libraries.
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