In a move that feels more than slightly ironic, the climate activists Extinction Rebellion have decided to go into a medium on the brink of extinction, having released their first newspaper this week. It is called the Hourglass, because time is running out – and because the XR logo kind of looks like one, in the right light – and comes with the strapline: “Rigorous journalism for fragile times”. More than 110,000 copies will be distributed, printed on paper made from freshly felled Amazonian trees … No, of course not, it’s recycled, most probably from litter picked up from events that didn’t even have anything to do with Extinction Rebellion, but which they attended to pick up litter because they’re better people than the rest of us.
According to a press release, readers can expect stories similar to those of “a mainstream newspaper like the Metro while at times hitting the tone of Take a Break”. “I never knew I had a twin sister until we chained ourselves to the same pink boat in Oxford Circus,” perhaps?
Anyway, we don’t have to guess because, as a well-established mainstream print journalist, I’ve got my hands on a copy to appraise. “I’m Sorry: We Were Wrong” is the headline on the splash, a piece about how scientists are warning that the climate crisis is developing faster than predicted. Inside there are pieces – mostly with the byline “Anonymous” – about threatened species; a leaked report about catastrophic human displacement; unprecedented Arctic fires; the crisis in the Amazon. I’m not getting a lot of Take a Break, to be honest.
Elsewhere, there is a first-person piece by a musician who went to prison for train-surfing the Docklands Light Railway, and a powerful letter from a young woman to her potential future child: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t do enough to save you.”
Too much, too bleak? Perhaps. But there is respite, with comedy letters, edited by the polarising (spoof) news reporter Jonathan Pie, and some music reviews, because a burning world still needs a cool soundtrack. There is also an interesting, thoughtful interview with Ray Mears. Cartoons and illustrations, too – I like the one of a smoke detector with a snooze button.
But print, though? Seriously? I thought there were some young people in Extinction Rebellion – can’t they just make something pop up on my phone? Who is this for? “People who are not necessarily on social media,” they say. “And who still read and trust traditional press.” And who might not have the energy to glue themselves to a bridge. Really, though, Extinction Rebellion: The Newspaper is worth a look, striking that all-important balance between horror and optimism. Come on, it’s important, buy a copy – except you don’t have to, it’s free!
