Chortle: The Evolution of a Comedy Publication
In the landscape of digital media, few niche publications have captured the essence of a specific art form as effectively as Chortle. Founded by Steve Bennett, an Oxford University graduate and former local newspaper editor, the site was born from a gap in the digital market and a passion for the performing arts.
Before venturing into the world of comedy, Bennett worked for the Informer group of free newspapers in West London and Surrey. When the newspaper group showed a lack of interest in establishing a web presence, Bennett saw an opportunity to build something of his own. While film and music were already well-served by established platforms like IMDb and Empire, Bennett identified that comedy lacked a dedicated, comprehensive digital hub.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]From the Dot Com Boom to Independence
The early days of Chortle coincided with the dot com boom, providing the site with initial investor support. This funding allowed Bennett to operate from offices in Brick Lane, London. However, the volatility of the era eventually led to the bankruptcy of the investing company.
Despite the financial setback, Bennett remained committed to the project. He believed that existing resources, such as the comedy section of Time Out, failed to cover the full breadth of the city's comedy scene in sufficient detail. For several years, the site remained financially unviable, prompting Bennett to support himself through freelance writing for the Mail on Sunday and the Daily Mirror.
Expanding the Reach of Comedy
As the platform matured, it expanded beyond simple reporting to become a cornerstone of the comedy community. In 2002, the site launched the Chortle Awards, recognizing excellence within the industry. Further diversification came in 2014 with the introduction of a comedy literary festival, featuring high-profile talks from comedy actor Rebecca Front and Terry Jones of Monty Python.
What began as a solo venture eventually evolved into a professional online publication. The site grew to include a dedicated team of writers, including Paul Fleckney, Julia Chamberlain, and Jay Richardson, while frequently hosting guest contributions from comedians themselves.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founder: Steve Bennett, an Oxford University graduate.
- Origin: Started after the Informer newspaper group declined to launch a website.
- Milestones: Launched the Chortle Awards in 2002 and a comedy literary festival in 2014.
- Notable Contributors: Jay Richardson, Julia Chamberlain, and Paul Fleckney.
- Early Location: Brick Lane, London.
| Event/Milestone | Year/Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation | Early Era | Launched by Steve Bennett to fill a gap in comedy coverage. |
| Chortle Awards | 2002 | Annual awards recognizing comedy talent. |
| Literary Festival | 2014 | Featured Terry Jones and Rebecca Front. |
| Growth | Ongoing | Transitioned from a solo project to a full writing team. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Chortle started?
Steve Bennett started Chortle because he noticed that while film and music had extensive website coverage (such as IMDb and Empire), there was no dedicated site covering the full breadth of the comedy scene.
How did Steve Bennett fund the site in its early years?
The site initially received support from investors during the dot com boom. After those investors went bankrupt, Bennett supported himself and the site by working as a freelancer for the Daily Mirror and Mail on Sunday.
What are the Chortle Awards?
Launched in 2002, the Chortle Awards are a key feature of the publication, serving to recognize and honor achievements within the comedy industry.
Who has contributed to the site?
In addition to founder Steve Bennett, the site has employed writers such as Jay Richardson, Julia Chamberlain, and Paul Fleckney, and has featured guest pieces written by comedians.
What was the comedy literary festival?
Launched in 2014, this festival featured talks from prominent figures in comedy, including Rebecca Front and Monty Python's Terry Jones.