East London Times (ELT) is a volunteer journalism passion project with no monetary aims as of now. The ELT is a  community-driven, independent news publication dedicated to delivering reliable, hyperlocal, and people-centric East London news. We cover everything from local politics and social issues to business, transport, crime, and cultural events, ensuring that the voices of East London’s diverse communities are heard.

Our Core Principles

At East London Times, we believe in the power of grassroots journalism to inform, empower, and uplift communities. Our editorial philosophy is built on the following key principles:

1. Strong Ethical Journalism

We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity. In an era of misinformation, ELT prioritizes fact-based reporting, balanced perspectives, and responsible storytelling. Our journalists follow a strict code of ethics, ensuring that every news piece is well-researched, transparent, and free from bias. We strive to be a trusted source for East London news, serving our readers with credibility and professionalism.

2. Promoting Street Journalism

We believe that news should be for the people and by the people. Traditional media often overlooks everyday stories that impact local communities. At East London Times, we empower citizen journalists, community reporters, and local storytellers to contribute and share firsthand accounts of events happening in their boroughs. By fostering street journalism, we ensure that no issue goes unnoticed and that every voice—no matter how small—has a platform.

3. Building an Informed Community

A well-informed community is a strong community. Our mission is to educate, engage, and empower East London residents with relevant and accessible news. We provide:

• Daily news updates on civic issues, transport, business, crime, and local governance.
• In-depth investigative reports to uncover truths that matter.
• Opinion pieces and community discussions, allowing residents to share perspectives and drive meaningful dialogue.
• Guides and resources to help locals navigate public services, legal rights, and economic opportunities.

By keeping residents informed, we enable them to make better decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities.

4. Strengthening Local Democracy

We believe that a thriving democracy depends on an engaged and informed public. Our reporting sheds light on local government actions, policy changes, and community concerns, ensuring that leaders are held accountable. Whether it’s covering council meetings, elections, or public policy debates, ELT acts as a watchdog, advocating for transparency and fair governance.

We encourage civic participation by:

• Breaking down complex political issues into easy-to-understand reports.
• Providing a platform for local leaders and activists to share their insights.
• Highlighting community initiatives that drive positive change.

By bridging the gap between government and the people, we empower East Londoners to take an active role in shaping their future.

News By the People, For the People

At East London Times, our news is not just reported by professional journalists—it is powered by volunteer Street Reporters who are residents of the boroughs we cover.

These local citizen reporters play a crucial role in ensuring that everyday issues, often overlooked by mainstream media, are brought to light. Whether it’s transport disruptions, housing concerns, local events, or grassroots movements, our Street Reporters provide firsthand, authentic insights into the realities of life in East London.

Although they are not professional journalists, our volunteer Street Reporters undergo a robust, comprehensive training program to equip them with the foundations of journalism, ethical reporting, and unbiased storytelling. This ensures that every report maintains the credibility and integrity that ELT upholds.

📖 Want to learn more about our Street Journalism Training Program? Visit our Street Journalism Training Programme page to understand how we train and empower local voices to become trusted news contributors.

We believe that those who live in a community understand its challenges and successes best. That’s why we encourage local residents to contribute their perspectives, photos, and news tips.

💡 Interested in covering local news in East London Times? Visit our ‘Become Street Reporter‘ page to get started!

Our Coverage – Boroughs We Cover

We are dedicated to covering news across seven key boroughs in East London:

📍 Barking and Dagenham
📍 Hackney
📍 Havering
📍 Newham
📍 Redbridge
📍 Tower Hamlets.
📍 Waltham Forest 

No matter which borough you call home, East London Times is your go-to source for news that directly impacts you.

Why East London Times?

✔ Unbiased, ethical, and community-first reporting
✔ Local stories that matter, beyond mainstream headlines
✔ A platform for citizen journalists and emerging writers
✔ Commitment to transparency and journalistic excellence