Eastbourne Buzz is a website that is beginning to profile local news in the way that people want. Without question the website provides an in depth well researched news platform that, as Stephen Lloyd suggests, has a breath of coverage. Our view is that if the website was also available as a newspaper, we would have a news source in print that would give Eastbourne and the locality an opportunity to read and browse what is happening locally from an independent perspective. Eastbourne and the area desperately needs an independent local newspaper, Eastbourne Buzz in print might be the answer Here Stephen Lloyd sets out the case for the website that has made a difference to the people of Eastbourne online —Bay Life, 29 January 2017
Stephen Lloyd
Facebook news feed
27 January 2017
Many of you will already know of a new media outlet – Eastbourne Buzz – which started up in our town just under a year ago. The co founders are Sharon Williams and David Plummer; I’d known Sharon for years as she used to be the lead reporter for Sovereign Radio, as well as being an Eastbourne lass.
Their breadth of coverage on local issues, big and small, has grown exponentially in quality and coverage over the last ten months. If you don’t already know them check out the site here: eastbournebuzz.co.uk
Now that they have built solid foundations they had a formal launch yesterday at the View Hotel. There was an excellent turnout of potential advertisers, local charity’s, trade associations and dignitaries (Thx go to Cllr Pat Hearn our splendid Madam Mayor who made a lovely speech), and we heard more from David and Sharon of the Buzz’s progress and plans for the future of the company.
The audience numbers are now very impressive with the website regularly getting between 30,000 to 40,000 uniques viewers every month. A sizeable figure for Eastbourne which I am sure will keep growing not least as they continue, often, to be the lead on breaking local stories. They’re also thoroughly nice people which is a bonus! I even forgive them, almost, for pinching my original strapline when I was your MP of: “Putting the Buzz back onto Eastbourne….!!”
Anyway, it was a pleasure to be at the launch and to speak on their support. I believe we all benefit from a strong community based video and online news outlet, and Eastbourne Buzz do an excellent job covering a broad range of stories.
They see their mission to ‘report’ what is going on from a neutral perspective allowing the viewer to hear all sides. I think this is particularly important when so much of our media tends to be slanted so obviously toward one political strand or another irrespective of the facts. Eastbourne Buzz report the news fairly and factually, which is important.
They also cover a lot of community news and initiatives which I particularly welcome. I’m convinced that a core strength of Eastbourne is our deep sense of community, our desire to help and look out for our neighbours – so knowing that your story, your practical efforts in the community may be shown to a broader audience is, I think, another one of their key plus-points.
So folks if you haven’t seen what they do before, then make a habit of checking out their website regularly for stories and updates. And also contact them if you think you’ve some local news which may be of interest.
If you are a potential advertiser please see a few additional details for info. They’re reaching an awful lot of people, your customers, every month!!
Good luck Sharon and Dave – I wish you every success for the future – and see you soon when another story breaks……
