I launched Eastbourne Reporter in May 2022 because I'm seriously concerned about the decline of proper news reporting.

Local papers used to have teams of experienced journalists providing up-to-date and accurate reporting, holding the powerful to account. Sadly, they're now a shadow of their former selves, with copy-and-pasted press releases masquerading as editorial.

We exist solely to provide Eastbourne with proper news.

Why we're different

The Eastbourne Reporter writes about all aspects of life in our town by interviewing people and linking to reputable sources. We dig into the detail, and go the extra mile to share the truth. This is what all journalists used to do.

Articles you will not read elsewhere include:

Developer faces prospect of legal action over Claremont Hotel hoardings

The burnt-out remains of the seafront Claremont Hotel, propped up with scaffolding, have been surrounded by hoardings which have become more dilapidated over the past two years. REBECCA MAER asked Eastbourne Borough Council and the developer what was being done to improve its appearance. Legal action may be taken if

Eastbourne ReporterEastbourne Reporter

Turning Green: new councillor says it’s time to have some political fun

“It just becomes so hard, like swimming through concrete, that you can’t engage with people. Activists want to believe in something and enjoy it. That’s so important in bringing the community together.”

Eastbourne ReporterEastbourne Reporter

Questions asked over Boutique Modern contract

By Rebecca Maer Rigorous credit checks and a risk assessment were carried out on a company which went into administration just as a £45 million building project was starting, a council meeting heard. Eastbourne Borough Council’s director of housing Nathan Haffenden insisted the procurement process for awarding the contract

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How we’re funded

We’re a Community Interest Company which means any profits are reinvested in establishing genuine local journalism.

Individuals can support us with a monthly donation via the Subscribe button and we've started a Patrons scheme for organisations to get involved. You can also contribute with a one time donation through this link.

A total of 87,000 people have read the website for free since launch three years ago. But only about 35 people are prepared to donate a modest amount each month: this totals around £200 and covers the basic running costs of website, accountant and professional fees.

The contribution of our two patrons - the Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce and Tech Resort - are a huge help but editor Rebecca Maer still works on a largely voluntary basis.

This kind of reporting takes time and research to produce so we urge you, your friends and colleagues to support us. If you want better local news, please consider paying the price of a coffee a month for it.

The team

Editor & CIC director

Rebecca Maer is a qualified journalist with 30 years’ experience in the UK and overseas. Rebecca has worked as a news reporter at local and national levels, a feature and travel writer, columnist, business editor and city editor. She moved to Eastbourne in 2021.

Rebecca's CV includes the following organisations:

• The Observer, London
• The Press Association, London
• Teletext, London
• Bangkok Post, Thailand
• Nottingham Post
• The Argus, Brighton
• Freelance photojournalist, south-east Asia

Our regulator

Our accreditation