A New Voice for the North East.
Honest, straightforward & unbiased. Expect quality stories from quality journalists that cut through the noise with clarity & depth.
No sensationalism, no pop-ups & no clickbait. Just meaningful news that matters.
➡️
Welcome to the launch edition of The QT!
"It's with a tremendous amount of pleasure, pride and excitement that I bring you the news that the first edition of The QT is available now." Brian AItken, Founder & Editor.
Read now:
"My father is ferociously loyal. To suggest that his wife’s grasp on reality was loosening would have been to him the act of betrayal."
In this week's edition,
@camsell59
gives a moving account on the impact dementia is having on those closest to him.
🌍 Looking at the world through a North-East lens. Join
@BrianTheQT
, the mind behind The QT, as he explores what makes our platform unique. Engage in 'Civilized Society' and be entertained in The QT Social. It's not just news; it's our story. 📰
“On Saturdays I used to do a circuit of all the music shops in Newcastle long before I had a guitar. It was a pilgrimage. I knew every inch of those shops like Windows, Kitchens and Barratts." - The QT revisits a vintage
@MarkKnopfler
interview🎸
READ: The full story on how
@nufc
,
@Sela
and
@RNID
broke new ground with haptic shirts - and Dan Burn broke the internet by
@dansheridan
➡
And...a huge huge thank you to the wonderful people at
@percyhedley
Seventeen years since it first encouraged venues to keep their doors open after hours – and us to pile through them –
@TheLateShows
has clocked up a reputation for offering a special couple of evenings on Tyneside.
@SamWonfor
takes a look at this year’s offer.
FREE TO READ:
Thread: North East councils are wrestling with the problem of how to balance their books and are being forced to make agonising decisions on who to let down next. It’s not acceptable and it’s time to stop blaming them. 🧵1/7
“...we asked people what was important to them. Quality was important, independent, unbiased reporting was important. And the third thing that came out as important was they didn’t want pop-ups and clickbait." -
@BrianTheQT
🧵(8/9) '
@ChiOnwurah
qualified as an electrical engineer at Imperial College and spent 20 years building digital networks all over the world, including the first mobile phone network in Nigeria. She has been MP for Newcastle Central since 2010 and is shadow minister for Science,
Thank you to everyone who came to our 'Meet The QT’ event at the John Marley Centre. We loved hearing your thoughts, feedback and encouragement. Keep an eye on your inbox for the slides and information we promised. (1/2)
Child poverty: Report reveals that one in four children in most of the North East is growing up in poverty — a figure that is even higher in 10 of our constituency areas
A North East town frozen in time and in the throes of an old style winter is the attraction at
@HPoolArtGallery
John Bulmer shares his memories with
@DavidJWhetstone
. Words and pictures here:
"Each has found in the other a kindred spirit, someone for whom words and storytelling are as fundamental as breathing" -
@DavidJWhetstone
visits authors
@JGreenAuthor
and
@davidjalmond
at their home in Tynemouth ➡️
From Journalist to Founder: Brian Aitken's story. As the driving force behind The QT, Brian's lifelong journalism career, including leading The Journal, lays the foundation for a new chapter in regional reporting.
"Mining communities were about so much more than coal that kept the country warm and the wheels of industry turning. They were about community, working together, looking after each other.”
If you read just one thing today - make it this from
@hendrover
, it's fantastic:
“A lot of the problems Tish documented ...are still with us. The inequalities never went away.”
Film-maker
@paulsng
tells
@DavidJWhetstone
why he was drawn to a feted photographer who died too young ➡
"The city has a wonderful history and growing up in cities like Sunderland does shape you, it makes you the person you are. Sunderland shaped me. It is all to do with where I come from, and I feel very strongly about that." - Kate Adie, whose work will be preserved by
When Jeff Brown calls time on his 21-year stint with the BBC tonight there won’t be a dry eye in the house.
@SimonTheQT
caught up with the popular Wearsider ahead of his final
@BBCNEandCumbria
appearance. FREE TO READ:
“These women have been written out of history because the war ended and the munitionettes were thrown back into becoming baby machines and looking after their men.”
Playwright Ed Waugh tells
@DavidJWhetstone
about bringing a wartime heroine to the big stage ➡️
"People own you because they own The Customs House.”
At the end of this month
@rayspencermbe
hands over the reins of his beloved
@thecustomshouse
. Here, he looks back over 25 years. Report by
@DavidJWhetstone
NOTE 1: Three performances of
Is this the supergroup to beat all supergroups?
@MarkKnopfler
's new version of the Local Hero theme will benefit cancer charities. The artwork's pretty amazing too! 🎸
🧵The QT in quotes: "In the North East, 35% of children live in poverty. That’s 11 from every class of 30....we’re on a sustained upward trajectory, as that figure was 26% in 2014/15."
@ArlenPettitt
Free to read: (1/11)
"...sold to 178 territories... making Vera one of the most recognisable TV detectives on the planet."
Read former Tyne Tees boss
@Graemethedean
on the end of Vera and the impact it has had in and on the North East
@BrendaBlethyn
“That reception for the new version of Going Home from
#nufc
fans was something that will live with me forever. I can’t tell you what it means to me for the song to be so integral to this region." -
@MarkKnopfler
Read
@SamWonfor
on a Local Hero's return and the raising of over
✊ The QT's pledge: North East first. We stand as an independent and politically neutral force, focused on championing North East causes and holding power to account.
🚀 Tomorrow: The QT launches! It's the final countdown! In just 24 hours, The QT will redefine regional journalism. Get ready to experience news with depth, integrity... and no pop up ads! Subscribe to our newsletter today to enjoy the first edition on us!
LONG READ:
@MichaelChaplin2
makes an epic journey through time and space to celebrate perhaps the greatest gift made to the world by the North East— the railways. Read it here:
The QT is growing, and have a great opportunity for a versatile, go-getting senior journalist. You will be joining a team of quality storytellers and be responsible for delivering engaging and informative news and business content.
#journojobs
"It’s all about making sure everyone gets a fair turn at taking part in the arts and benefiting from that thing called culture." -
@CherubG
In Newcastle, North Shields and across the region
@HelixArts
is known for doing things differently, as
@DavidJWhetstone
reports:
Lindisfarne, the late 70s revival and the video shoots that promoted it, plus Brand New Day: The Mercury Years 1978-79 that's out soon.
@samwonfor
chats with
@laidlaw_ray
➡️
From an idea to reality: The QT's story. Brian Aitken, our founder, uncovers how The QT fills a crucial gap in regional journalism. We believe in compensating storytellers fairly for their quality work. It's not just journalism: it's a craft
Basketball’s Darius Defoe will celebrate 20 years at
@NewcastleEagle
with a star-studded exhibition match this weekend.
@fabflournoy
, the coach who recruited Defoe, tells The QT about the one that almost got away
The QT is redefining news delivery. Instead of ads, we're powered by subscriptions. Why? To offer you uninterrupted, quality journalism. No distractions, just pure news. Your journey with us starts now. Be the first to join: 🌟
Lovely and well-deserved send off!
If you want to hear more from Jeff, our
@SimonTheQT
had a cracking chat ahead of his last Look North shift, which is
#Free
to read, here:
Just about held it together 🥹Been a joy to work with such a brilliant team
@BBCNEandCumbria
Thanks for all your lovely messages - and for watching. On to the next chapter…💕
Good new for Newcastle's
@tynesidecinema
which has been awarded £700k to help secure its future. Boss,
@Nic_Green
says it signals a 'new beginning' for the venue
Read how
@emmerdale
acting couple
@lawrencenotrin
&
@JoepopProds
, with two children who have a rare genetic condition, aim to raise serious money for the charity that supports them ➡️
The
@HiltonHotels
Newcastle Gateshead has been booked for the
Quiet coffee time reads required for the weekend? The QT newsletter with a selection of free-to-read content is out today at 4pm. Sign up now: (choose the Free option)
Bonus points to anyone who recognises the GIF.
Edition 9 of The QT is out this time tomorrow.
Find out more about The QT here:
Subscribe here (for that quality local journalism without pop ups, clickbait or sensationalism experience) here: (Now with Apple Pay / Google Wallet.)
🎉 One week to go! The countdown has begun.
In just 7 days, The QT arrives, bringing a new era of regional journalism to the North East. Get ready to dive into quality content. Subscribe to our newsletter now and receive the first edition for free!
The QT is a weekly online news and features magazine. It is independent, politically-neutral but North East biased.
There are no obtrusive ads, pop-ups or clickbait headlines. Just quality stories told by quality storytellers.
"So how does a little radgie from Longbenton, end up brushing shoulders with the Duke of Sussex? ...the reason I was on the front row is because I’m disabled. Writing that feels strange. But it’s true."
@JamieHardesty
reports from
@sxsw
on the lessons we can learn on
FREE TO READ: Four decades since Dennis, Oz, Neville, Barry, Moxey, Bomber and Wayne converged in a Dusseldorf hut, a sell out Newcastle
@O2CityHall
crowd will enjoy a special night of memories and music.
@SamWonfor
talks to
@TheRealTimHealy
about the best telly job he’s ever had
"This is, afterall, the region which gave the world the phrase ‘Shy Bairns Get Nowt’.We ought to be better at asking for things and making sure that we’re heard." read
@ArlenPettitt
in The QT ➡️
Tech leaders and entrepreneurs from across the North of England gathered in Newcastle this month. It provided the perfect opportunity for
@JamieHardesty
to compare the North East with its noisy Northern neighbours
FREE TO READ:
🧵(5/9) 'I go into schools talking to pupils about working as a chemical engineer. We need to be doing this at the primary school stage — waiting until secondary school is far too late. We must engage girls early.' -
@erskine_fiona
(via
@EmmaRChesworth
)
#InternationalWomensDay
Two new Tyneside hotels are now open for business and it will be several weeks before they expect to welcome their first guests. But will they want to stay?
@hendrover
reports:
The QT is driven by a team of experienced senior journalists with a passion for producing quality content. Fusing new technology with traditional values, we aim to become a trusted voice for the North East. (1/5)
The QT speaks up for our region. Join us and enjoy a new edition every Thursday as well as access to our members' only comments section.
Sign up today and add your voice:
"His fabulous homage to Picasso, Orgreave after Guernica, runs across one wall, recalling the day when 6,000 police officers confronted 5,000 striking miners..."
A new exhibition exposes a rich seam mining art, writes
@DavidJWhetstone
@aucklandproject
📰 This Week in The QT: Dive into Edition 7 for a closer look at the unspent Levelling Up funds and the impact on local councils. Plus, discover Blyth's solar pioneers and take a journey through Sacriston's past, present, and future.
"It’s the exhibition a lot of people have been waiting for..."
@DavidJWhetstone
gets a first glimpse of Turner: Art, Industry & Nostalgia at
@LaingArtGallery
➡️
From this week, The QT will be released at 12 noon THURSDAY. We’ve moved publication back one day following reader feedback. Subscribe today and enjoy quality regional journalism with no sensationalism, pop-ups or clickbait:
A Tyneside airman who spent WWII carrying out a series of audacious PoW escape attempts (17!!!) is to be honoured by his hometown.
@Hendrover
tells the remarkable story of Dominic Bruce ➡️
We have had a wonderful weekend celebrating the retirement of our Executive Director, Ray.
As a lasting tribute, and with support from our Board of Trustees, we are thrilled to announce that our main auditorium will now be known as ‘The Ray Spencer Theatre’ at The Customs House.
The QT is a weekly online news and features magazine. It is independent, politically-neutral but North East biased. Subscribing to The QT is an investment in quality regional journalism.
There are no obtrusive ads, pop-ups or clickbait headlines.
This on stotties and the awesome journey
@bigriverne
has been on is a 1,200 word must-read masterpiece from
@DavidJWhetstone
.
Happy National Stottie Cake week. Be proud!
Read here:
It's here....Issue 10!
From educational revolutions to the innovative Museum of Austerity and a veteran's long fight for justice, we’re showcasing the diverse voices of our region.
Subscribe to The QT for full access to stories that matter.
🧵(4/9) 'Women continue to be let down. We need a menopause manifesto urgently to ensure protections are in place to support half of the population who experience menopause. This is a workplace issue...'
@KateOsborneMP
(via
@northernstarcr8
)
“Lidos are great crucibles of joy, wellbeing and connection."
Tynemouth is one of several towns benefiting from a scheme backed by
@HeritageFundUK
to bring unused lidos back to life.
@Simontheqt
reports ➡️
"13% of households (over 8m people) are people living alone. Around a 1/5 of women don’t have children by the end of their reproductive lives. 13% of workers are self-employed.... a minority but a substantial minority." Read
@katefoxwriter
on freedoms
The experiences of autistic young people and their families will be explored and spotlit in an insightful play coming to
@GoCivTheatre
.
@samwonfor
finds out more about Hindsight
#autism
@Autism
Questions remain over Freeports.
@paulhtfp
writes on the concept of Freeports and enterprise zones - how they're intended to operate here in the North East and the arguments surrounding them. Read:
FREE TO READ: Want to feel old? The Full Monty movie was released over a quarter of a century ago. Thankfully the stage show still has all the belly laughs and hard-hitting drama.
@northernstarcr8
watched it at
@TheatreRoyalNew
@culturemag
🎭 Dive into the vibrant arts, culture, and entertainment scene of the North East with
@culturemag
at The QT.
We're all about celebrating our region's creative pulse.
Help us showcase the cultural richness of our community.
"You may not have heard of him, but my hunch is that you will soon see and hear a lot more about the man, his life and work, and absorption with his special place: Gateshead. In a sense Charlie Rogers is coming home..."
Writer
@MichaelChaplin2
discovers the lost world of the
Get ready for Issue 12 📰
Tomorrow, we unveil another captivating edition of The QT, brimming with stories that capture the essence of the North East.
Subscribe today and be the first to receive Issue 10 as it goes live.
#SubscribeNow
#JoinTheQT
FREE TO READ: It might turn out that there is indeed some place like ‘Hjem’ if a new restaurant planning application for Northumberland gets the green light.
@SamWonfor
finds out more:
@Restauranthjem
Beneath a black sheet on Newcastle's Westgate Road, nature is working wonders.
@DavidJWhetstone
looks at a project that once would have seemed pure science fiction ➡️
The QT hears how
@deathbysuzy
, diagnosed with
#ADHD
at 42, is now running a successful business helping others in the same situation ➡️ by
@northernstarcr8
North East artist,
@sheilagraber
, tells
@northernstarcr8
‘time is running out’ as she joins the campaign to prevent developers felling 143 mature trees on a Tyneside College campus ➡️
🧵With Newcastle's Local Hero
@MarkKnopfler
at St James's Park yesterday and hitting the headlines with his new charity single alongside
@samfendermusic
- here's two free reads from The QT vault: (1/4)
We set out to deliver quality journalism for the North East which was free from obtrusive advertising assault courses and clickbait headlines.
We feel confident and proud in saying we did that. 2/6
The 10th anniversary line-up for Sunderland's annual
@summerstreets_
festival has been unveiled - and it's an absolute belter.
@SamWonfor
has a wander around what is in store - and memories of what has gone before - with the event's founder,
@rgtmillard