CounterPress to power famous Leyton Orient fanzine's switch to digital
Leyton Orientear, the popular Leyton Orient supporters' fanzine, will step into a brave new digital world this summer, powered by CounterPress.
Earlier this year, the Ear celebrated its 40th birthday, a fine feat of longevity that speaks to the impact the publication has made in its community down the generations.
With print costs rising, and readers transitioning to digital to consume content, the editorial team have made the decision to shift their operation online.
And that big move will be powered by CounterPress.
From pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, the Ear will have a new dedicated digital presence, with CounterPress's suite of storytelling tools enabling readers to receive newsletters, listen to podcasts, and access all content via an easy-to-use app.
As part of this expansion into digital, the Ear has secured unprecedented access to Orient, and will broaden its editorial operation, offering a truly journalistic independent outlet for Os supporters.
Editor Aynsley Taylor said: "Orient's new ownership has incredible ambitions, which could transform the club beyond recognition. So this is a critical time for the fanbase, whose voices and concerns need to be heard and understood more than ever.
"As much as we love operating in print, it limits our reach and our flexibility, and CounterPress seemed like the perfect solution to us – run by people who understand football at our level and everything that makes it so precious."
Early interest for the new-look Ear will open on May 1, 24 hours ahead of the final day of the League One season.
Everyone who signs up to the mailing list ahead of the big launch in July will be entitled to a sizeable discount on membership.
Existing Leyton Orientear print subscribers and readers, whose contact details are held by the fanzine, will receive communication from them about a special offer encouraging them to switch to receiving Ear content online.
The project is the latest in a series of outlets covering English football clubs to launch on CounterPress.
The network already includes titles focused on Swindon Town (The Moonraker), Bromley (From Bromley With Love), Leicester City (For Fox Sake), and Plymouth Argyle (The New Pilgrim).
The Sixty Six, covering the England men's football team, is currently free to all in the lead-up to the World Cup.
Further sites covering Brighton & Hove Albion (The Brighton Base), and Wycombe Wanderers (The Quartermen) are in early interest ahead of June launches.
A host of further outlets will follow over the coming weeks.
"This is a really exciting project for CounterPress to be a part of.
"The Ear is an established and much loved part of the Orient landscape, and we're delighted to be able to provide the infrastructure and support to help them embark on their digital journey.
"By working together, we will create a sustainable future for the magazine, allowing its long-standing readership to continue to enjoy a product they've enjoyed for four decades, and opening up the Ear to a fresh wave of younger fans.
"This is an exciting time for the Ear, and CounterPress is thrilled to be tagging along for the ride."
Be a part of change.
Sam Morshead
Co Founder
Are you ready for journalism's new future? Get in touch today to find out how CounterPress can work for you.