The Asian Today: A Voice for the South Asian Community in the Midlands
In the heart of England's Midlands, The Asian Today serves as a vital communication bridge for the region's South Asian population. As a free biweekly community newspaper, it provides a dedicated platform for news, current events, and social dialogue, ensuring that the specific needs and stories of the community are heard and documented.
Key Facts
- Founded: September 2002
- Frequency: Biweekly (fortnightly)
- Language: English
- Coverage Area: Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and Coventry
- Owner: The Asian Today Ltd
- Publisher: Urban Media Ltd
- Editor: Zakia Yousaf
Evolution and Reach
The publication has undergone several identity shifts since its inception. It launched in September 2002 as The Asian Leader. In August 2005, it briefly operated under the name Your Leader before permanently rebranding as The Asian Today in September 2005.
Today, it is recognized as one of the few English-language newspapers catering specifically to the Asian community and is cited as the most widely read ethnic newspaper in the Midlands. To ensure maximum accessibility, the paper is distributed in high-traffic areas with significant South Asian populations, including supermarkets, takeaways, taxi ranks, community centers, and various cultural and entertainment outlets.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Journalistic Impact and National Stories
Beyond local community updates, The Asian Today has established a reputation for breaking significant national stories that often gain traction in the mainstream press. The publication focuses on provoking debate and encouraging interaction through rigorous reporting on sensitive social and political issues.
Notable Investigative Coverage
The newspaper has handled several high-profile cases, including:
- An exclusive interview with Dr Mohammad Naseem regarding terrorism, which was subsequently picked up by mainstream media outlets.
- The exposure of systematic abuse suffered by Mrs Mahfooz Bibi, a veiled Muslim woman, at the hands of police officers—a story that received international attention and was cited by the Muslim Voice UK.
- Reporting on the threat of violent protests led by Sikh leader Sewa Singh Mandla following the release of the Bollywood film Jo Bole So Nihaal, which the community viewed as sacrilegious.
- The legal case involving a Blackheath imam suing a lottery-funded mosque.
Publication Details
The Asian Today is published by the Birmingham-based Urban Media Ltd, the same organization responsible for Desi Xpress. Under the editorial leadership of Zakia Yousaf, the paper continues to operate from its headquarters in Solihull, United Kingdom.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | 6A Olton Wharf, Richmond Road, Solihull, UK |
| Distribution Cities | Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Coventry |
| Publication Cycle | Fortnightly |
| Website | theasiantoday.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Asian Today?
The Asian Today is a free, English-language biweekly community newspaper distributed across the Midlands in England, specifically serving the South Asian community.
Where can I find copies of the newspaper?
The newspaper is available at various community hubs, including supermarkets, taxi ranks, takeaways, community centers, and cultural outlets in cities like Birmingham and Leicester.
Who publishes The Asian Today?
It is published by Urban Media Ltd, a Birmingham-based company that also produces Desi Xpress.
What are some of the major stories the paper has covered?
The paper has broken national stories regarding police abuse of a veiled Muslim woman, interviews on terrorism with Dr Mohammad Naseem, and community reactions to the film Jo Bole So Nihaal.
When was the newspaper founded?
The publication was founded in September 2002, originally launching under the name The Asian Leader.