Pioneering hyperlocal news site folds after 14 years
A pioneering hyperlocal news website has been liquidated, a year after launching a new platform it hoped would take off around the UK.
The Lincolnite, founded Daniel Ionescu, confirmed it had ceased trading this week, with nine jobs lost.
The website, which covered Lincoln, was among the first hyperlocal websites to set up on a commercial, rather than voluntary basis, competing with the Lincolnshire Echo newspaper.
Last year, the Lincolnite became the first brand to move into MyLocal, a platform built by parent company Stonebow Media, which it hoped would roll out across the UK. Earlier this year, an expansion into London to support publishers there was mooted by Daniel.
Writing in LinkedIn this week, Daniel said: “After 14 years at the forefront of local journalism in Lincolnshire, I are announcing with a heavy heart that The Lincolnite has stopped publishing with immediate effect.
“Despite the best attempts to secure the future of the business, the publisher, Stonebow Media, has not been able to secure viable alternatives. Nine jobs have been sadly lost in the process.
“I would like to thank our staff, past and present, who have helped create an informed and engaged community around The Lincolnite over the years.
“I would also like to thank all our partners, who have supported us over the years and helped keep Lincolnshire better informed.
“One final thanks goes to those who transcended those work boundaries and offered their friendship along the way.
“The Lincolnite and MyLocal will remain available to view for a period of time for archiving purposes, however the business has ceased trading.
“For now, it’s goodbye from The Lincolnite. Thank you for being on this amazing journey with us.”
The Lincolnite holds the BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporter contract for the Lincolnshire area.
In June, it was revealed that Lincoln university changed the locks on the The Lincolnite’s office doors and removed the publisher’s access to the building due to an accrual of rent arrears.
An email seen by LincolnshireLive from Daniel told clients of the website that the “company has no funds available to provide refunds or settle outstanding commitments. We understand the impact this may have on your business and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
