Propaganda Press

For the first time in a while I've not received a copy of the Fulham and Hammersmith Chronicle.  Their campaign against the council tax funded H&F News seems to have died down recently but there could be good news ahead.

The government are looking to tighten the rules on council publications.  Hopefully 'by the end of the summer' we'll have some positive news.

In the meantime fingers crossed for the delivery of a Chronicle next week.  I've got a big soft spot for the Chronicle series.  The Hounslow Borough (or Middlesex if you prefer) edition kept me up to date (give or take a few days for delivery!) with Bees news at Uni before the Internet was awash with official and unofficial websites.

Back for Good?

After a couple of weeks off it's good to see the Chronicle back through my letter box.

No idea why the paper went AWOL for couple of weeks, and seeing as the same thing happend last month, I wonder whether April will fair any better.

Here's hoping!

Local News for Local People

Most local councils publish a council tax funded newspaper or magazine that they use for shameless self-promotion.

Living in LBHF I receive my weekly copy of the council paper H&F News.  Lovingly dubbed Pravda by locals, the paper has been designed to look like a publication totally independent from the council and has even been criticised by Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley.

For as long as I can remember no free and independent alternative has been available to LBHF residents.  However this all changed in January when the Hammersmith and Fulham Chronicle became a freesheet.

I was genuinely pleased that residents were, at last, going to be able to read a publication that reported local news instead of articles written by an organisation patting itself firmly on the back!

The first freesheet edition of the Chronicle was published on 15th January and was an enjoyable and informative read.  Friday 22nd January soon came round and the next edition duly arrived.  That sadly was the last edition to make it way through my letterbox because the last two editions haven't turned up.

Hopefully that isn't it for independent news in the borough and this week it'll be third time lucky...

UPDATE - After the short walk from work in W14 to the Bush what did I find waiting for me, yep, this week's paper.  Joy ;)