IpohGoers is a new journalism medium built for the contemporary digital world.

We have three key reasons for this venture. The first is to support the growth of good journalism for a niche need. Nowadays, we do have many media portals striving to report news that are timely and intelligent for the society. True, but here we want it to be hyperlocal and community-based.

According to the award-winning journalist and professor Damian Radcliffe, hyperlocal journalism emerged when there were reduced news coverage in local geographical areas, thus, paving a way for independent online local news sites. Here, we are centring on community journalism as well. This was inspired by one of the 10 elements of good journalism described by Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel, where citizens have rights and responsibilities in journalism.

Community journalism is popular in other countries such as Australia. At IpohGoers, we want to emulate this by providing an online space for local communities to represent themselves. The online space is the second reason. We want to gain traction in contemporary online media environment promoting more hyperlocal and community journalism through the rise of a news website and social media accounts, focusing on authentic, timely, intelligent and meaningful storytelling.

Thirdly, ensuring continuous ‘bread and butter’ staple for good journalism to thrive. Journalism has always been a cottage industry despite rapid development in economical influence and the medium in which it operates. Despite that now there are lesser costs in digital journalism, there is a premium to it. It is a question of sustainability. We cannot exist without funds. We seek a new business model that can take us to improve our professionalism and service to communities.

The question is, can a hyperlocal community-based journalism thrive in Ipoh?

I teach journalism. Since 2008. My graduating students are asking me if they can secure jobs in this storytelling industry. Can they practice good journalism, while having the ability to pay their bills on time? Can they carry on a dignified life while pursuing journalism?

I do not have the answers to these questions. What I do know is the first two factors of good and community-based journalism can only be realized if the third factor of financial independence and sustainability can be achieved.

It is a tall order, at least for current day hyperlocal entrepreneurs. But my students and I have courageously decided to attempt this.

We want to be known as an independent and grassroots-based journalism medium so that communities in Ipoh can be united for progress and better quality in life. We hope to provide the information that can transform lives, offer better employment, support healthier lifestyles, where everyone matters.

We aim to write your stories. We aim to publish your work. And, we invite you over to be part of our storytelling. To tell us, from your perspectives.

We are taking this brave step by launching IpohGoers on 28 March 2026, and very soon we will announce our business models integrating with your needs. To sustain so that we can grow together.

Come, support us.

With gratitude.