A new independent, online newspaper has been launched covering Whitby and its surrounding villages. Titled, The Anchor, the publication is the brainchild of Whitby based journalist and photographer duo, Emma Ryan and Ceri Oakes, who between them have more than 20 years of experience working on local, regional and national newspapers.
They have founded The Anchor to provide regular, in-depth journalism on issues affecting the coastal town, and its surrounding countryside, as well as listings for groups, organisations and events.
Emma started her journalism career at The Barnsley Chronicle following an MA in Print Journalism at The University of Sheffield. After six years at the Whitby Gazette, she worked at city daily, The Yorkshire Evening Post and regional daily, The Yorkshire Post where she was editor of Country Post.
Ceri is a press and lifestyle photographer having worked for the Whitby Gazette, the SWNS agency with work published in The Daily Mail, The Times, The Daily Express and The Guardian.
Aimed at keeping local residents connected and informed about issues affecting Whitby, they say The Anchor will also ask questions and keep accountable decision-makers, councils and authorities.
Ceri and Emma said: “Working in local newspapers brought us both to Whitby and we both fell in love with the town, being by the sea, and its way of life. We both stayed here even when we had moved on work wise.
“We are passionate about Whitby and its future, both as a place for generations of local families to live and work and for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit as tourists.
“Whitby’s appeal as a tourist destination is not in question thanks to the beach and coastline, quaint streets, independent shops and businesses, walks and things to do.
“However, there are many issues facing Whitby with implications for residents and communities and we want to be a trusted voice for that in a world of clickbait and AI.”
The Anchor will be reporting on council meetings, planning, transport, education and housing matters as well as crime and daily life in the town.
There will also be a strong emphasis on life in the 20 plus rural villages which surround Whitby with comprehensive listings of local groups and activities for each one.
A podcast, called The Whitby Cast, will be produced each week to discuss the week’s news, interview guests or take a deep dive into topical, local issues.
The Anchor will also compile a newsletter to land in the inbox of email subscribers each week.
