 | |
| Type | Satirical newspaper /webzine |
|---|---|
| Format | Tabloid |
| Owner | TartMedia Group |
| Editor | Ben Cooper |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | London |
| Website | Inactive |
The Tart was a freeLondon-basedsatirical newspaper, and later an online webzine.
The precursor ofThe Tart was aBristol University newspaper edited by Tobes Kelly in the first six months of 2007.[1][2]The Tart was set up as a response to a perceived lack of variety in the student newspaper market, and Kelly's desire to revive studentsatire through enabling and encouraging students to collaborate regardless of university campus borders.[3] The Tart's tone wassatirical, and has been described as "tolerant, witty and parodying the folly of those in the public eye".[4] The newspaper was part of the TartMedia Group, which is owned by Kelly.[5]
A website was established in August 2007, andThe Tart was distributed across ten university campuses during termtime in late 2007, includingOxford University,Cambridge University,Bristol University,Warwick University andLondon School of Economics.[6]
After receiving a positive response from trial distributions to London commuters, the decision was taken to move out of the student market.[7] After securing significant funding,The Tart launched for London commuters in January 2008,[8] and enjoyed a brief run in the capital, at a time when other now-defunct London freesheets such asLondon Lite andthelondonpaper were also distributed as part of a brief "old-fashioned newspaper war".[9]
The paper's income was affected by the economic downturn, and midway through 2008,The Tart decided to focus on an online webzine. In summer 2008, it relaunched with a new website and editorial team.
The website closed in June 2009.
