Rochdale Online, the long-standing independent news website, has ceased trading and initiated liquidation proceedings, marking the end of an era for local journalism in the town.
The website, which had been in operation for nearly 25 years, confirmed the news earlier this week. An insolvency practitioner has been appointed to oversee the liquidation process and the site will no longer be updated, according to a post on its website.
Rochdale Online was run by Claire Flett for the past five years providing vital news coverage in the wake of the decline of traditional local newspapers. However, despite its strong readership, the website struggled to attract sufficient advertising revenue to continue operating – an issue that plagues many independent media outlets.
Chris Maguire, a journalist and media commentator who runs BusinessCloud, expressed his disappointment at the closure. Writing on LinkedIn, he said: “I was really disappointed for Claire Flett, who has run the independent news website for nearly a quarter of a century. It was a brilliant website that had filled the gap left by the gradual demise of local newspapers. It was well respected and had a huge following but, and it’s a big but, it struggled to attract advertisers – and therein lies the problem facing modern media.”
Chris’ post sparked reaction from other admirers of Rochdale Online’s efforts to keep serving its readers in a challenging local news market. Joshi Herrmann, founder of Mill Media, which publishes Manchester-based digital newspaper The Mill, replied saying: “Very sad to hire about Rochdale Online. Claire was doing a great job, and should be applauded for a very good run.”
Social Brand AI director Andrew Hankin said: “It’s truly unfortunate to see Rochdale Online go. Claire’s dedication to local journalism has been commendable.”
Clair Flett did not immediately reply to requests for comment.
Several years ago, Rochdale Online won a breach of copyright case against the Manchester Evening News in a ruling that set an precedent for independent publishers. The dispute arose when MEN republished a Rochdale Online article without permission or credit, later syndicating it to The Guardian. The hyperlocal successfully argued that the key points of its article had been copied without authorisation, leading to a court ruling in its favour.
In a statement following the decision, Rochdale Online warned that if major publishers were allowed to reword and reuse reporting from smaller outlets without compensation, it would undermine the financial sustainability of local journalism.
