Subscribe for free, read the best of Bylines
All subscribers have access to our monthly Bylines Network Gazette, featuring the best citizen journalism from our ten UK national and regional publications, right here on Substack. You will also receive our monthly newsletter, all our free-to-read articles, and have access to our podcast archive.
Take a paid subscription and join the citizen journalism community
As a paid subscriber, you get all the above as well as premium articles from the Bylines Network Gazette, written by guest writers or showcasing exclusive stories. You also become part of our citizen community, receiving our newsletters before anyone else, able to comment on articles and chat with other subscribers, writers, editors, and guests. In addition, you get full access to exclusive special release articles, webinars and other content, including our substack archive.
Bylines Network - a movement, not a moment
In 2020, against a backdrop of political disenfranchisement and a crisis of trust in traditional media, a new kind of journalism was born in the UK - citizen journalism.
Starting with a single publication in 2020, Bylines Network has evolved into a group of 10 UK national and regional titles. Taking inspiration from our ally, Byline Times, we have created a powerful bottom-up alternative to traditional regional journalism, corporate-owned news, and post-truth social media
Each of our titles is led by an editorial team representing the towns, cities and areas their publication covers. Through outreach, high editorial standards, a focus on topics that matter to everyday people, and intrepid investigation of local, national and global stories, the network has forged a reputation for truth, quality writing and invigorating democracy.
In just five years, the Bylines Network has racked up 17,500 articles, been read 18 million times, and empowered 2,000 citizens to speak truth to power. It is a force for good, providing fearless grassroots reporting and progressive analysis.
Free from oligarch ownership, corporate control and political influence, we are proudly independent and not-for-profit. Driven by volunteers and committed to news quality, we demonstrate democracy in action, champion unheard voices, and connect communities.
Bylines Network is more than a collection of publications. It’s a movement of participatory democracy, empowering ordinary people to become journalists and creating a generation of storytellers who can speak truth to power.
Stay up-to-date
Never miss an update—every new post is sent directly to your email inbox. For a spam-free, ad-free reading experience, plus audio and community features, get the Substack app.
Join the crew
Be part of a community of people who share your interests. Participate in the comments section, or support this work with a subscription.
To learn more about the tech platform that powers this publication, visit Substack.com.
