New network for hyperlocal journalism joins forces
This week, a new network for hyperlocal media in Denmark came together for the first time at Constructive Institute in Aarhus. The aim is to bring together the strongest business models, the right technology, and the smartest editorial concepts and to develop them for the benefit of all.
By sharing ideas and cooperating it’s the ambition to strengthen critical, constructive, and hyperlocal journalism, so it can play an even greater role in supporting local democracy and the communities where people in Denmark live, work, and build their lives.
“In the past five years, the number of local journalists has decreased significantly, which means there is a great need for all good local journalism, no matter who produces it. Hyperlocal media outlets can more easily experiment with new business models and new ways of doing local journalism, and these experiments are essential to secure the future of local journalism. I find that readers, advertisers, and sponsors respond with great interest and an increasing willingness to pay.
Steffen Slot, Tjek Fredensborg
One of the participants, Steffen Slot – a former fellow-, launched TjekFredensborg in the first days of June 2025. He wanted to do something entirely different from local journalism, but keep the good parts of it: the close contact with many different people and the important role in a democratic context.
“I hope that in this new network we can inspire and challenge one another. Not because we should all be the same. On the contrary. Hyperlocal media represent a wild and fascinating world of people with deep personal commitment, and I have great respect for those who have been part of it for many years. The new network can be a place where we each contribute a little – and from there take the ideas that make sense for our own journalistic mission and business model.”
Steffen Slot, Tjek Fredensborg
A preliminary count conducted by the Constructive Institute shows that there are currently around 220 hyperlocal media outlets in Denmark. This group includes weekly newspapers from Sjællandske Medier and JFM, as well as independent hyperlocal outlets such as Billund Online and Søften Nyt.
Participants:
Cecilie Hänsch Emanuel, Lokalavisen Faxe
Dinny Eriksen, Randers I dag/Fjordavisen
Christian Dan Jensen, Sydfynske Media
Carsten Schmidt, Ærø Dagblad
Susanne Jølck, Kjerteminde Avis
Steffen Slot, Tjek Fredensborg
Michael Qureshi, Min By Medier
Anders Godtfred-Rasmussen, Søften Nyt
Marianne Thorø, Billund Online
Michael Kjær, Sønderborg Nyt
Søren Glasius, Aktuelt
Jonas Hooge, Byens Nyt
Peer Thøgersen, Aktuelt
Sebastian Tofte Rasmussen, Migogesbjerg
Peter From Jacobsen, Vores Brabrand
Thomas Mose, Dragør Nyt