UPDATE: Local news publishers are taking on social media giants by launching innovative community-focused platforms. Village Media’s CEO, Jeff Elgie, announced the launch of Spaces, a hyperlocal social network designed for safe and meaningful engagement, in October 2024. This initiative aims to combat the toxicity prevalent in major platforms, first conceived in response to the alarming rise of racism and negativity on social media.
In a parallel move, Daily Maverick launched Daily Maverick Connect in August 2025, providing a virtual haven for its 1,500 Insider members to connect and share knowledge. These platforms emerge amidst growing user dissatisfaction with traditional social media, which is increasingly perceived as unreliable and harmful.
Village Media, which manages 27 local news sites, has reported impressive engagement with Spaces, boasting 105,000 unique users and 12,500 registered members. Elgie emphasizes that Spaces is built on the principles of a news organization, banning inflammatory content and fostering genuine conversations around community interests like sports, music, and hobbies.
“Unlike major social media, Spaces offers a chronological feed without distracting algorithms,” Elgie stated. This structure allows users to focus on relevant content and participate in real-world events organized through the platform, such as bi-weekly vintage car shows.
In South Africa, Daily Maverick Connect was created to address the harmful effects of misinformation and toxic interactions on mainstream platforms. Head of Audience Development, Alet Law, noted that the initiative is a response to a growing sentiment among users who want a more supportive space. A recent investigation revealed that approximately 10% of Meta’s revenue comes from fraudulent advertising, highlighting the need for trustworthy alternatives.
“People in our Insider community are incredibly supportive. We felt it was time to give something back,” Law explained. The Connect platform resembles a forum, allowing for genuine conversations rather than the performative interactions often found on social media.
Daily Maverick journalists are using Connect to co-create journalism by engaging members in discussions, gathering feedback, and collaboratively shaping news stories. “This platform is about serving our community and ensuring they benefit from our journalism,” Law added.
Both Village Media and Daily Maverick have invested significantly in building their platforms, recognizing the long-term commitment required for success. Elgie warns that smaller publishers may struggle to replicate this model without adequate resources, citing nearly two years of research and development for Spaces.
Despite the challenges, both platforms have incorporated robust moderation tools to ensure user safety, with Daily Maverick utilizing AI to filter harmful content. Remarkably, Law noted that the need for moderation has been minimal, attributing this to the authentic community culture cultivated within Connect.
As these local news publishers carve out their niches, they are redefining how communities engage online, focusing on trust, safety, and meaningful interactions. With users increasingly seeking refuge from toxic environments, the success of Village Media and Daily Maverick could signal a significant shift in the media landscape.
Readers are encouraged to follow these developments as local news publishers continue to innovate and challenge the status quo of social media.
