We launched Eastbourne Reporter in May 2022 because we're 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.

Recent articles include:

Two men found dead in Eastbourne hotel

By Rebecca Maer [Updated 16 May 2025 with the ages of the men] The bodies of two men have been found within eight days of each other at the Ellesmere Hotel in Wilmington Square, Eastbourne. Both men, aged 38 and 60, had been placed in temporary accommodation at the hotel

Eastbourne ReporterRebecca Maer

A pool full of happy memories looks to the future

Volunteer community reporter Mary Mckay, who swam regularly at Motcombe Pool from 2012 until it closed due to Covid in 2020, finds out the latest on the renovation of this Edwardian building in Old Town. The hoardings have gone up around Motcombe swimming pool. Something is happening at last – but

Eastbourne ReporterEastbourne Reporter

Why does Eastbourne have £194 million of debt?

A controversial plan to close most public toilets and the heritage service is part of the council’s attempts to balance the books: if a local authority’s spending exceeds its income, it must effectively declare itself bankrupt and only run essential services. We look at Eastbourne’s financial position

Eastbourne ReporterRebecca Maer

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 63,000 people have read the website for free since launch three years ago. But only 40 people are prepared to donate a modest amount each month: this is around £130 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 - mean the editor can, after three years, finally pay herself for half a day a week at £15 per hour. She actually spends two to three days a week working on ER, so it still largely voluntary.

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