Bristol24/7 reaches supporter members milestone

Bristol24/7 are delighted to have reached 1000 individual supporter members, forming a community of more than 5000 people alongside business and community members.

Our membership has seen steady growth over the last twelve months despite the cost of living crisis, which we attribute in part to updates to our website and the return of our print magazine. At just £5 a month it represents great value for money, especially when one factors in the many freebies, discounts and competitions that members get access to.

Members get four free beers every month – photo: ShotAway

Over the past twelve months, our membership has seen steady growth, despite the impact of the cost of living crisis and a payment failure set-back last year resulting in over 150 accounts having to be forcibly cancelled.

Head of Audience, Meg Houghton-Gilmour, said: “The world of local journalism is a very interesting place to be at the moment. On the one hand, we’re seeing very high churn rates in some publications, click-bait and overwhelming amounts of ads.

“But I think the tolerance for that kind of ‘news’ is in decline. People want thoughtful news, that is written by people they know and trust. Journalists who live in the city they’re writing about, and who care about it. People are voting with their actions, with their money and with their attention. And they’re choosing Bristol24/7.”

Bristol24/7 Editor Martin Booth added: “We want to light a path for a new type of local journalism; one that truly exists for the good of the community”

Reporters Betty and Mia at a Bristol24/7 event in July – photo: ShotAway

The revenue generated from the membership goes directly to supporting Bristol24/7’s social impact projects. These include our dedicated Climate & Sustainability Editor, our four Community Reporters, our work to support local charities with free marketing and our work experience programme.

As a community interest company, creating opportunities for young people, empowering environmental projects and amplifying marginalised voices are central to our decision making.

We have been overwhelmed by support from our current members. One said “I would miss so much without Bristol24/7. I start my day reading it with my diary at the ready. It’s honest, on-the-spot and independent. Well worth a fiver. I’ve become aware of parts of Bristol I didn’t know about before.”

Meg is keen to add that this is only the beginning of their growth, commenting on their future plans to grow the team.

“We want to still be reporting in Bristol in another ten years’ time, and perhaps in other cities too. Growing the membership to 2,000, 5,000 and 10,000 supporters is pivotal to all of our plans. I hope more people will see the good work we are doing and join us on this journey.”

Main photo: Jon Craig

Read Next: 

• Bristol24/7 membership campaign leads to outpouring of support
• Working with Bristol24/7 membership
• Win tickets to Bristol Craft Brew Festival, Wake The Tiger & more – August member perks

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