Since 1869, Grocott’s Mail has acted as the voice of Grahamstown’s community.
Located in High Street until January this year, the newspaper’s editorial team is now based at Rhodes University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies in the African Media Matrix.
Since 1869, Grocott’s Mail has acted as the voice of Grahamstown’s community.
Located in High Street until January this year, the newspaper’s editorial team is now based at Rhodes University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies in the African Media Matrix.
As the former Grocott’s newsroom has aged, it has gathered much historical significance.
The buyers of the site, Supello Investments, plan to refurbish and maintain the most historical aspects of the building.
While being positioned further from the town centre, the School provides both technological resources and facilities.
It has allowed students and lecturers to contribute more actively in the production of content for Grocott’s Mail.
Due to this relationship, some concerns have been raised regarding the editorial independence of the newspaper.
Furthermore, there have been varying views over whether the new location inhibits the townspeople’s ability to contact and share stories with the news team.
Although some reporters prefer to remain in the original premises in order to keep close contact, the new facilities are advantageous for Grocott's sustainability and digital development.
As the Grocott’s staff has been positioned in both locations, they have maintained their presence within the larger Grahamstown area.
Citizens are still able to approach reporters based at the original site.
To address this, GMTV explored the basis behind these concerns.
