It’s interesting that the world-wide-web has led to the emergence of what is becoming termed ‘hyperlocal’ journalism, into which category this webmag falls. Hyperlocal journalism doesn’t refer to parochial nonsense about cats up trees and headline after headline about parking tickets. Far from it.
Hyperlocal journalism understands that the world can be run from a personal level up, and that local issues and politics are as important to our wellbeing as national and global events. By dwelling on the community we aim to help that community to knit itself tighter. We believe in supporting local independent companies, because we believe that a strong local economy benefits everybody in the area.
We dislike the current obsession with global celebrities. We are much more interested in what somebody from a neighbouring street thinks about the Phoenix development (page 7) than the views of someone like, say, Paris Hilton or Bono on a worldwide issue. We are more interested in the recipes of a local cook who buys their products in the same places as you or I (page 25) than those of a celebrity chef who shops in Soho.
We support local events put on by local people, and believe that the more that everybody supports these events, the more vibrant the cultural life of the town will become. We are delighted, for example, that Paddock Productions (page 12) are putting on a national-quality production this week: The Finnish Prisoner, blending the talents of professional singers with Lewes-based amateurs.
Hyperlocal doesn’t mean head-in-the-sand: it means helping to build a strong pyramidal base for our community. The worldwide web is the printing press of the 21st century. Ironically this global network, and other digital new media developments, can help to spread a strong hyperlocal message, one aimed at strengthening the community spirit of this vibrant town, and the surrounding villages it serves. Nuff said. Enjoy the week.