FAQS

WHO IS BEHIND THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE?

The Biddeford Gazette was founded in November 2024 by Randy Seaver, a former journalist with more than three decades of professional experience in journalism, advocacy and public relations. His work has been featured in publications throughout New England.

In the future, the Biddeford Gazette hopes to feature additional reporting and contributions from other local writers and journalists.

WHY DOES BIDDEFORD NEED ANOTHER MEDIA OUTLET?

We believe that there is no such thing as too much local news coverage.

Biddeford once had its own daily paper. Sadly, the Journal Tribune closed its doors and ceased publication in October 2019. The weekly Biddeford-Saco Courier was once a thriving, locally owned and operated weekly news publication. That publication was sold to Maine’s largest newspaper conglomerate several years ago. Today, the Courier is no longer printed and not much more than a shadow of its former self.

Up until just a few years ago, the Portland Press Herald — Maine’s largest newspaper — had a fully staffed news bureau located on Main Street in Biddeford. They closed that bureau several years ago. Since then, the city of Biddeford has not had a reporter dedicated to only covering Biddeford news and events.

Liz Gotthelf, publisher of Saco Bay News, launched her media site just days after the Journal Tribune closed. A former Tribune reporter, Liz has built a valued community resource and a dynamic publication. But Saco Bay News covers three communities.

There are lots of gaps in Biddeford news coverage. We do not seek to compete with other publications. Our primary goal is to get information out to the public. Whenever possible, we will collaborate with other media outlets. We will use our social media sites to drive traffic to other media companies.

WHAT IS GONZO JOURNALISM?

The term “Gonzo Journalism” was coined by Hunter S. Thompson, a prolific writer and former reporter who worked for several publications, most notably Rolling Stone magazine.

 Gonzo-style journalism embraces an approach to news reporting that represents a notable departure from traditional media protocols. Gonzo journalism offers readers a “more personal approach” to news reporting. This style of reporting is not limited by the standards of objectivity and often includes the reporter providing a first-person narrative of the story.

Common trademarks of Gonzo Journalism include sarcasm, humor and profanity.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE BIDDEFORD GAZETTE?

We love feedback, good or bad! To tip us off about a possible story, to ask questions or to lodge a complaint, please send your email to BiddefordGazette@gmail.com