‘An innovative space for journalism’: plans to launch Scotland’s first independent community newsroom

Rhiannon Davis and Karin Goodwin outside the community newsroom in Govanhill

Two pioneering journalism projects have teamed up to open Scotland’s first independent community newsroom.

WIJ Scotland committee member Rhiannon Davis, who set up Greater Govanhill magazine, and Karin Goodwin, co-founder of investigative journalism platform The Ferret, are leading a fundraising drive to help with set-up costs for the initiative.

The community newsroom is based in the heart of Govanhill, one of Scotland’s most densely populated and ethnically diverse neighbourhoods.

The two independent media outlets say they hope to produce more high impact journalism by having a space where people can engage with journalists directly.

Greater Govanhill magazine will be able to work closely with members of the community who want to share their own stories, while The Ferret, which is a cooperative that is owned by its readers and writers, will continue its Scotland-wide focus but with a community base.

“Doing things differently has never felt more important than in these tricky times.”

The Ferret and Greater Govanhill magazine are also working toward a year-long project – Mind the health gap – which takes a solutions journalism focus to health inequalities in Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.

Both organisations plan to use the venue as an office base as well as a venue for training and other events.

A crowdfunder has been launched to help with set-up costs of the newsroom, which is expected to open next month.

In recognition of the tough financial situation facing people across the country, non-financial donations including furniture, plants and help with renovations are also being welcomed.

Rhiannon, founder of Greater Govanhill magazine, said: “We see the community newsroom as a hub for community building and a space for sharing stories, ideas, and perspectives.

“It will be an innovative space for hyperlocal, community-based journalism to collaborate with rigorous investigative journalism; not seen anywhere else in the country.”

Karin, co-editor of The Ferret said: “At The Ferret our mission is to produce high-quality, Scotland-wide investigations in the public interest. But it is also so important for us to be rooted in the community, and accessible to the public that we serve.

“Greater Govanhill magazine already does a fantastic job of working with its community so we are really excited to see what more we can all learn from each other in this new venture,”

Karin added: “Doing things differently and working collaboratively has never felt more important than in these tricky times.”

For more information on the project and to donate to the crowdfunder click here.