Tim Graichi cucarella
(He/Him)
Brighton
As seen in:
ImJustBrighton
Covers:
Brighton & Hove news, local politics, community stories, culture, entertainment, events, public safety, social issues, nightlife, independent journalism and digital media.
Doesn't Cover:
International politics, financial advice, cryptocurrency, gaming, celebrity gossip or technical reporting outside local/community journalism.
News • Events • Culture | Imjustbrighton.co.uk
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I never really had a traditional first job as a journalist. ImJustBrighton happened quite naturally. I started sharing what was happening around Brighton & Hove because there was clearly a demand for fast, local and relatable coverage that people connected with.
Over time, what started as simply posting local content turned into a real passion for community information and storytelling. The more people engaged, sent tips and relied on the platform, the more responsibility I felt to keep growing it and improving the way local news and events were shared.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, I actually have never used a typewriter. I grew up in the digital and social media era, so everything for me has always been phones, cameras, laptops and online platforms. I honestly would not even know how to properly use one.
How is social media changing news?
Social media has completely changed the way news is shared and consumed. Information now spreads instantly, often directly from the people witnessing events in real time rather than waiting for traditional media coverage.
I think this has created both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, platforms like Instagram, TikTok and X have made local news more immediate, accessible and interactive. Communities can engage directly, share information quickly and even help shape coverage by sending tips, photos and videos.
At the same time, the speed of social media means there is also a greater responsibility to verify information and avoid spreading misinformation. The pressure to post quickly can sometimes come at the expense of accuracy, which is why trust and credibility are more important than ever.
For independent platforms like ImJustBrighton, social media has made it possible to build a direct connection with the community in a way that traditional media never could.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
I honestly do not really have one specific fictional journalist. I have always been more interested in real stories and real people than fictional media characters.
That said, I respect fictional journalist characters who are curious, persistent and genuinely care about uncovering the truth rather than chasing attention. I think those qualities matter a lot in both traditional and modern journalism.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To me, being a journalist means having a responsibility to people and to the community you are reporting on. It is not only about sharing information quickly, but about understanding the impact that information can have on real lives.
In today’s world, where news spreads instantly through social media, responsibility matters more than ever. I think it is important to report honestly, stay connected to the community and remember that behind every story there are real people affected by it.
For me, local journalism is also about documenting history as it happens and creating a record that people can look back on in the future. That responsibility is something I take seriously through ImJustBrighton every day.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Probably #Brighton. Simple, chaotic and somehow connected to absolutely everything happening in the city.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer story pitches that are quick, clear and straight to the point. I receive a huge number of messages every day, so concise communication always works best.
If someone can explain the story, why it matters and include the key details from the beginning, there is a much higher chance I will actually read and respond to it quickly.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Most of my work is done through a combination of social media platforms, photography and video tools, and content management systems. A lot of what I do happens in real time, so my phone is honestly one of the most important tools I use every day.
I regularly work with cameras, editing software, scheduling tools and website publishing platforms to manage content across ImJustBrighton. Social media itself is also a huge part of the workflow because that is where the community interaction, breaking news and audience engagement happens instantly.
More than anything, the job requires adaptability because digital media changes constantly and you are always learning new tools and ways to communicate with people.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram is probably my favourite social network because it’s the heart of ImJustBrighton. It allows me to document Brighton & Hove in real time — from breaking news and protests to nightlife, culture and community stories. I like how visual and immediate it is, but also how connected it feels. A lot of the stories I cover actually start with messages from local people.
Who do you wish followed you?
I have never really focused on chasing celebrity followers because that was never the purpose of ImJustBrighton. What has always mattered more to me is building a genuine connection with the local community.
That said, it is always surreal seeing internationally recognised names following or interacting with the platform, especially people like Fatboy Slim and Benedict Wong. Moments like that remind me how far an independent local platform can reach.
For me, it is less about wanting specific famous people to follow and more about continuing to grow something authentic that people from all over the world can connect with.
Why did you become a journalist?
I never originally planned to become a journalist in the traditional sense. It started from a genuine interest in what was happening around Brighton & Hove and a desire to share it with others in a more direct and relatable way.
As ImJustBrighton grew, I realised people were not only following the page for entertainment or events, but also relying on it for local information, updates and community stories. That responsibility changed the way I approached the platform. What began organically became a real passion for documenting the city, giving visibility to local voices and helping people stay connected to what is happening around them.
I think local media is important because it brings communities together. Whether it is covering major events, highlighting independent businesses or sharing everyday moments in the city, I enjoy being able to inform people in a way that feels immediate, human and accessible.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I did not work for a school newspaper. Most of what I learned came independently through building ImJustBrighton, creating content online and learning directly from real experience rather than traditional journalism routes.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The story I am most proud of is not one single article, but the history and community archive that ImJustBrighton has become over the years. What started as sharing moments around Brighton & Hove gradually turned into documenting the city’s culture, events, people and important moments in real time.
What makes me proud is knowing that the content will still exist years from now as part of Brighton’s digital history. I like the idea that even long after I am gone, people will still be able to look back at these stories, photos and moments to understand what the city was like during this time.
For me, it is not only about news. It is about creating something meaningful for the community and leaving behind a lasting legacy that reflects the life and spirit of Brighton & Hove.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
My advice to aspiring journalists and independent creators is to stay curious, consistent and connected to your community. You do not need to work for a major newsroom to tell important stories. Some of the best reporting starts locally by simply paying attention to what is happening around you and listening to people.
Building ImJustBrighton taught me that authenticity matters. People can tell when you genuinely care about the stories you share. Focus on building trust instead of chasing attention, and always keep learning as you grow.
I also think it is important to develop your own style and voice rather than copying what everyone else is doing online. Social media changes constantly, but being real and reliable never goes out of style.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is when the information is clear, relevant and concise. I receive a huge number of messages every day, so straightforward communication always stands out.
I also appreciate when people understand that independent local media moves very quickly, especially with breaking news and live events. A good pitch does not need to be overly formal. It just needs to explain why the story matters to the local community and include the important details from the start.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
One of the best pitches I receive is when someone reaches out with a genuine local story that actually matters to the community rather than just trying to promote something. The strongest pitches are usually personal, authentic and relevant to Brighton & Hove, whether it is a community initiative, an important local issue or a unique story people would otherwise never hear about.
I appreciate pitches where people clearly care about the impact of the story and understand the audience rather than simply looking for free advertising or attention.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
One of the worst pitches I regularly receive is when people expect extensive coverage, promotion, photography, video editing and multiple social media posts completely for free, then become frustrated when I explain that independent media still requires time, work and resources.
I understand that many people do not realise how much goes on behind the scenes, but running a platform like ImJustBrighton involves long hours, equipment, editing, publishing and constant communication. I am always happy to support the local community where possible, but I also believe creative and media work should be valued and respected.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee, definitely. I’m probably slightly addicted at this point. Long days covering news, events and running ImJustBrighton usually start and end with coffee. Brighton’s café culture also makes it hard to resist trying new places around the city.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
When I’m not at a computer, I’m most likely at the beach. Whether it’s Brighton beach or somewhere in Spain, I enjoy being near the sea. It’s one of the few places where I can properly switch off from news, social media and constant notifications.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I mostly follow a mix of local, independent and international publications rather than just one specific outlet. I enjoy reading platforms that feel close to the community and have a strong identity behind them.
I also think it is important to follow different perspectives and styles of reporting, especially in the digital media world where things move so quickly. Local journalism has probably influenced me the most because it focuses on real people and everyday life rather than just headlines.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
One of the most common misconceptions about my beat is that people think ImJustBrighton is run by a large media company or a massive team behind the scenes. Because the platform reaches so many people and covers such a wide range of stories, events and breaking news, many assume there is a full newsroom operating it.
In reality, independent local media often relies on a very small number of people doing everything from filming and editing to publishing, social media management and community engagement. I think it shows how much impact local independent platforms can have when they build a strong connection with their audience.
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