In a significant development for the media industry, a prominent Kerala-origin journalist based in the UK is set to launch the London Daily, a digital evening newspaper with a monthly print edition. This ambitious project, led by Anasudhin Azeez—a former Asian Lite editor and alumnus of the Kerala Press Academy in Kochi—has already earned attention, with industry publication Press Gazette prominently featuring the initiative.
The London Daily is set to debut next month, entering a media landscape disrupted by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine. With its daily digital platform and monthly print edition, the publication aims to fill the gap left by the Evening Standard’s shift to a weekly print format. This marks the first major foray by a Malayalee into mainstream publishing in the UK since V.K. Krishna Menon launched Penguin Books in 1937.
Azeez, who will serve as the executive editor, brings extensive experience to the venture. Known for founding the Asian Lite digital newspaper in 2007, his career includes stints at prestigious outlets such as Khaleej Times, The Times, The Sunday Times, and the BBC. Joining him is former BBC sports editor and Evening Standard columnist Mihir Bose, who will serve as consulting editor.
Speaking to Kerala Link, Azeez said the publication would focus on local news and operate from Fleet Street, the historic heart of London’s newspaper industry. “London Daily is on a mission to revive Fleet Street’s legacy and uphold the principles of the media giants who once walked this storied path,” Azeez said. “Through a digital daily and a monthly print edition, we aim to rekindle its age-old legacy and restore the missionary values of journalism.”
Mihir Bose highlighted the importance of the project in addressing gaps in local coverage. “London is arguably the greatest city in the world, yet it lacks a dedicated evening newspaper—a stark contrast to the 1960s, when it had three,” Bose remarked. “London isn’t just one city; it’s a collection of villages, each with its own identity. Our aim is to bridge this gap by covering stories across all 32 boroughs, highlighting the diversity and evolution of these communities.”
From Fleet Street, the London Daily also envisions contributing to London’s cultural and journalistic heritage through initiatives like a London Museum of News, a Fleet Street Walk of Fame, and a monthly media forum at St. Bride’s Church.
Blending tradition with innovation, the publication aims to celebrate the tactile experience of print while keeping readers informed in real-time via its digital edition. Its community-focused approach includes plans for diverse initiatives such as Women’s Forums, Business Forums, and Youth Festivals, alongside events like a Film Festival, a Literary Festival, and sector-specific awards.
Further, the newspaper plans to host a London Economic Forum this summer to showcase investment opportunities and reinforce London’s status as a global commercial capital.
With its bold vision and deep commitment to local storytelling, the London Daily aspires to redefine journalism in one of the world’s most vibrant cities, preserving Fleet Street’s storied legacy while adapting to the demands of the modern media landscape.
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