Dale Vince has today announced a “rescue” of the award-winning Camden New Journal (CNJ) newspaper group.
The philanthropist has agreed to take responsibility for the titles in his latest foray into the world of media following his formation of new media outfit Babelfish last year.
Vince, the founder of Ecotricity and Forest Green owner will take over responsibility of the loss-making newspapers and will “invest” to ensure the survival of the much-respected series of papers.
“I greatly admire the people and the journalism at the Camden New Journal,” said Vince, “and want to do whatever I can to help secure its future and that of its journalists – who go above and beyond to ensure London is properly served with a paper that has campaigning and investigative reporting at its heart.
“Regional newspapers are vital to our democracy and , despite print media going out of fashion at the national level for many years now, I think local media has a future, I want to help ensure that – to play my part.”
Vince hopes that the communities the newspaper group serves will continue to support the CNJ and its team, who play an important part, not just with news, but holding power to account and campaigning on issues relevant to those living in the capital.
“The Camden group of newspapers is long established, respected and loved by its audience and beyond, I very much hope that all those who value it and who support it now, one way or another, will join me in this. This isn’t just a rescue mission it’s bigger than that, we believe in local journalism, in local papers – in young journalists – and we want to knit all of this together, starting with the incredible CNJ.
“The staff are as exceptional as the paper, it’s a rare privilege to meet people as committed and dedicated, knowledgeable, and energetic as they are. These guys blew me away when I met them, no less than that. That made we want to help, to be a part and to create something together.”
The Camden New Journal, which recently exclusively broke the news of former Prime Minister Keir Starmer stepping down as an MP, and Green leader Zack Polanski standing for the seat in Holborn and St Pancras, was founded in 1982 by editor Eric Gordon following a 15-month long strike after its predecessor, the Camden Journal was shut down.
Widely-respected, Gordon led the newspaper until his death aged 89 in 2021. His motto, which the staff still hold dear today, is: “Open to all and coerced by none.”
The newspaper group has until Vince’s intervention been a co-operative, non-profit organisation. Its editor is Richard Osley, who along with deputy editor Tom Foot and award-winning senior reporter Dan Carrier have overseen the publication for over 70 years between them.
Richard Osley, editor of the Camden New Journal series: said: “Our discussions with Dale and his team have opened up an exciting opportunity to protect what we do and expand our contribution. That includes the hope of creating more opportunities for reporters from underrepresented backgrounds, building our capacity for investigations, and strengthening our online offering – more stories, more scrutiny. We’d like to be an inspiration to local journalists around the country who have the drive to hold power to account.
“The papers will still need the support of our loyal readership, and those who see the importance of journalism. Our readers are never short of constructive feedback, and that has been a huge part of our success. They keep us on our toes and contribute with everything from lively letters to the editor for publication and story tips, to donations and subscriptions.
“Our staff would not enter a partnership lightly; we were not open to any offer – but we have seen that Dale’s team understand the importance of a more plural media landscape, and of creating spaces where local and national conversations can encompass wide-ranging views. They have already demonstrated through Babelfish how their journalism can make an impact, set an agenda and start a debate.”
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