Six months ago I joined The Brussels Times as the new Editor in Chief.
In the months since, I have been working with the team of young journalists to shape the editorial direction, set our story priorities, identify key issues we want to report on and begin to increase our original and longer form journalism to better reflect Brussels and Belgium in our content. It's a gradual process but an important one.
The Brussels Times' mission is founded on old-fashioned journalistic values. To explain and report accurately, truthfully, objectively and without bias, set developments in their proper context and to hold people to account. This last value – holding people to account – is particularly pertinent in Brussels and Belgium at the moment, where there is a distinct lack of accountability from those in power. Indeed, in some instances, such as who runs Brussels, there isn't even anyone to hold to account, as there is no government in place nearly eleven months after regional elections. It's not like Brussels doesn't have serious problems to solve.
Above all else though, our mission at The Brussels Times is to try to connect the large expat community to the city and country in which they live; to be a bridge. We want to explain the expats to the Belgians, and importantly, vice versa. In doing that, we also want to show the best of Belgium. There are so many great and unique things about the country and people that host us, and we want to showcase that and celebrate it in our content, and hopefully through that, bring the two communities closer together, and get them involved in each other's lives more. Belgium is a complicated place, so we hope to help make it less complicated for you. You, our readers, are always foremost in our minds when we are deciding what to write about and how to report it.
To do this, we need your support. Like all independent media nowadays, we rely on several revenue streams to support our journalistic endeavours. One of those is subscriptions. So if you like what you read, and you want to support independent English language journalism in Brussels – subscribe! If you already subscribe, but have friends who don't – urge them to try our offers! The media landscape in Brussels is increasingly crowded and competitive – but we serve a unique purpose in reporting on Europe, Belgium and Brussels not purely through the EU policy lens; to improve and expand this, we need your help. We are also keen to meet and talk to more of you and to that end will be holding events throughout the year to connect with you, hear your stories and bring our reader community together.
When it comes to BIB, I know I have big shoes to fill. Orlando Whitehead has been your guide through the complicated Belgian landscape for over 3 years. He has now moved on to pastures new, and I have decided that from today, I will be your guide – although in reality, it may be more of a co-piloting exercise on some occasions. I will express my thoughts on some issues, reflect on others and try to highlight stories and content or issues that I think deserve your attention. I hope you will join me on this journey, and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the future.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Cancelled flights, disrupted public transport – general strike in Belgium on Tuesday
For the fourth time in as many months, Belgium will grind to a halt due to a general strike on Tuesday 29 April. Read more.
2. Belgium ordered to stop ‘illegal’ sharing of ‘Accidental Americans’ tax data with US again
The Belgian Data Protection Authority (DPA) declared that there is a "lack of a legal basis" for the information transfers. Read more.
3. Two dead after stabbing in Antwerp
Among the two victims is the alleged attacker whom the police shot dead. Read more.
4. Historic moment: Liège tram leaves station on Monday
Many Liège residents rose early to experience the inaugural journey, marking the historic moment with songs and in good spirits, resulting in a nearly full tram. Read more.
5. Brussels’ iconic bookshop Filigranes reinvents itself at Mayfair
Filigranes reinvents itself, boldly moving into the luminous, high-design Mayfair concept store on Boulevard de Waterloo. Read more.
6. Brussels’ nightlife scene is fighting to keep the lights on
ART Blanc leads one of Brussels' vibrant nightlife and hospitality empires. Owned by two brothers, the party never end for them, but the rules might kill it. Read more.
7. Feline friends: A guide to Belgium’s cat cafés
From Brussels to Liège, a new breed of café has taken root in Belgium. Read more.
