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 'news'

You can read PR content from Eastbourne Borough Council here, sign up for regular EBC council information here, read press releases from Sussex Police here and the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner here. Much of this is presented as 'news' by some media outlets.

We exist solely to provide Eastbourne with proper reporting, asking questions and interviewing.

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:

Compensation payout of £118,000 given to council director on leaving office

By Rebecca Maer A compensation payment of more than £118,000 was made to a council director for “loss of office” making it one of the top ten largest payouts by local authorities across the UK. The payment of more than a year’s salary was made to the director

Eastbourne ReporterEastbourne Reporter

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

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

Eastbourne ReporterEastbourne Reporter

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 here and we have a Patrons scheme for organisations to get involved. You can also contribute with a one time donation through this link.

A total of 88,000 people have read the website for free since launch four years ago. But fewer than 40 people 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