Local news that matters
Exeter Observer is different. It is part of an agile, innovative news sector that is emerging to deliver independent local public interest journalism with real relevance and impact while avoiding the pitfalls of traditional local media business models.
It addresses local decision-makers and civil society actors as well as others who influence them in turn. It provides otherwise absent scrutiny while equipping public sphere participants with information and insight they would otherwise lack, enabling interventions in forums to which they have access.
We make extensive use of transparency legislation and information access rights, including public accounts inspection rights, to enhance accountability of public bodies. This includes invoking external authorities including the information commissioner, local authority auditors and the local government ombudsman to challenge compliance failures and seek higher information and governance standards.
These activities impact on those in leadership positions while also providing compelling material for publication.
This impact is evidenced in public commentary, policy changes and decision challenges and reversals as well as in private correspondence, unannounced policy changes and private decisions which follow public or private interventions.
Confidential communications with senior stakeholders and representatives of public bodies also confirm the value of holding local organisations to account this way.
Exeter Observer’s growing reputation as a public interest champion is also reflected in increasing numbers of residents seeking support with issues they have been unable to address via other routes.
More about Exeter Observer
- Independent, investigative, in the public interest
- Journalism with community benefit at its heart
- The story so far
- Distribution & promotion
- Democracy doesn't work when people don't know
- Legacy local news
- Exeter media in perspective
- Local news that matters
- References
Exeter Observer is published by Exeter Observer Limited, Community Benefit Society No. 8435 registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.
Our registered address is St Sidwell’s Community Centre, Sidwell Street, Exeter EX4 6NN.