We live in a country where lies and spew have become commonplace. From the government through the corporate media to social media, fakery has become normalised. Living a lie is now mainstream.

Therefore, we should not be surprised if so called news sites spring up in which facts are treated as if they are radioactive. Sadly, locally in Dorset this appears to be the case with one news outlet.

In June 2021 Dorset Eye reported that Dorset News had published an article looking for clicks but with absolutely no substance.

This got the alarm bells ringing and people became understandably cautious and sceptical of Dorset News, as the story was disproved and a concern that following stories would also lack credibility.

Now recently Dorset Eye has received the following email between Dorset News and Weymouth Football Club that suggests that the above was not a one off.

The following is an exchange between the then director of Weymouth Football club, M Palmer, and one of the owners of Dorset News, K Gethins.

‘Dear Kallum,

Thanks for your email.

If you had the courtesy to read my last email properly you will see that I have provided you a statement, here it is again for avoidance of doubt;

“I’ve clearly placed on record recently that via the Echo, the club Youtube channel and the Supporters Association interview that the club has had a cash flow issue that it is currently working through with its suppliers…..This has meant that we’ve had to move some accounts onto a 45-60-90 day payment cycle. The club does not owe any of it’s suppliers over this period and is currently working on paying down any outstanding suppliers. We are very much looking forward to a very successful upcoming season on and off the pitch.”

Anything you chose to publish that varies from any factual position will be seen as an attempt to cause damage and defamation to the club’s name and standing. You have been previously placed on notice.

After speaking with Shaun Parker at UDL *(security company), he also reported that “someone” tried to contact him (twice) just after your initial contact, purportedly saying they were from the “Dorset Echo”. My solicitors office has spoken to the Dorset Echo and they have been notified from the Publication that no one from their office has attempted to contact UDL. The Echo are taking it as a serious matter that “someone” is misrepresenting their organisation and are now opening up a separate line of investigation into this.

You still failed to answer my requests for a breakdown of your corporate structure, any company registration no., who you have direct contact with on the Weymouth FC board and your direct mobile number etc. Therefore we’ve had to continue to gain background on you and your associate that you run your site with. It appears that no one at Dorset News has any Journalistic qualifications for example. If we are incorrect and you would like to provide us with any information that shows differently then could you please send this through and we can check them out. In the meantime I will work with my solicitors, UDL, The Echo into investigating this matter further.

Kallum, you are getting yourself into a heap of mess here, we already have defamation against the club to a 3rd party and misrepresentation to 3rd parties. Look I don’t want to be unreasonable here and would like to sort this out for you before this goes too far to be able to help you out. You could either give me a call or give me your mobile number so I can call you directly.

Hopefully you will see sense and contact me sooner rather than later.

Kind Regards

M. Palmer’

As one can ascertain from this exchange it presents a very concerning picture of how this ‘news’ outlet is operating.

The suggestion is that defamation and lies are at the heart of some of their ‘news’ coverage.

We have also been contacted by members of the public who are very concerned that Dorset News are now attempting to use the organisation of Weymouth Carnival, for 2024, to raise their profile. The anxiety exists that something like a carnival should not be used as an attempt to raise popularity especially given its over one hundred year heritage.

These concerns may be unfounded but given their short history, Dorset News must at least be treated with suspicion.

For those who would like to know more the following are the CIC details for the organisation of Weymouth Carnival:

Both the registered owners of Dorset News, K Gethins and J Brewer are security guards, without any journalistic qualifications.

Also both are using non NUJ approved ‘Press Passes’ that have no legitimacy.

They put this meme attack of Dorset Echo up on their Facebook page which appears to stretch irony to the limit given the fakery at their heart.

This is not meant to represent a hatchet job. It merely reflects the major concerns held within the community that Dorset News are disregarding journalistic ethics and are damaging the community.

Please be very wary when dealing with this supposed ‘news’ outlet.

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19 COMMENTS

  1. Great article, was really interesting to read this. I’ve personally dealt with Kallum myself and he’s a total fraud, he buys views/likes/comments on his social media platforms so I’ll only assume it’s no different for Dorset Live which is a mockery of journalism. Infact I saw this article due to the fact he posted it on his story he seems a tad bit upset!

    A lot of what he does is only for his own gain with his “vape company” and trying to get the carnival back together which will probably end up all going into his pocket knowing him.

    Another thing to note is he follows alot of underage girls on his Instagram and has another private Instagram with a picture of him posing almost nude, very weird individual.

  2. This is an interesting read! Though I’m not sure about the above comment.

    Kallum is a great individual with a great business mindset and loves making money!

    It’s ashame that this article was made against him. He’s done so many good things for the community and don’t think he’d follow many under age girls at all because that’s not like him at all.

    I’m not to speculate the leaked email as I believe that this has been sorted with Mark and they are both on good terms

  3. What a load of rubbish this is. It’s almost like jealousy! People talking rubbish against Dorset News! I follow them and they are great! Hope this gets sorted out out!

    I don’t who Kallum is but I’ve checked him out on Instagram and he seems like a normal influencer with those likes?!

    Shame on you Dorset Eye

    • Following Dorset News media Ltds threat of legal action over this article. I would like to make a number of issues clear and provide some context.

      The information and claims made within this article are substantively True and it was in the public’s interest for Dorset Eye to bring the concerns to the public’s attention.

      1) I can neither confirm or deny whether i am the source of the information however Dorset News alleged i am based on the photo of a press pass which was issued to me. *I will come onto the press pass later.

      2) Dorset News claim i am an ‘ex employee’ of Dorset News. This is false. I have never been an employee of Dorset news nor have i previously entered into contract with them whether written, verbal or implied. The false claim i am an ex employee is so Dorset News can set the narrative of a disgruntled ex employee in an attempt to discredit me. I did however volunteer to help Kallum when he and Jake fell out and Dorset news almost collapsed.

      3) The Press Pass, anyone can call themselves a journalist without any relevant qualifications and or accreditation. This was not the concern, the concern was that Kallum claims to be an accredited journalist, This is false and when i raised this concern with a relevant third party, they informed me doing so could amount to fraud and so upon their advice the press pass issued to me was destroyed. The picture of the press pass shown in the article was the picture i shared with this relevant third party. (I Have evidence of Kallum making this claim).

      4) Why didn’t i hand them control of the Weymouth Carnival Facebook page? Primarily Because i am concerned Dorset news would monopolise Carnival news coverage and use the carnival page to direct traffic to their own web page so they can personally gain revenue from advertisements. I believe it would have been wrong for me to give control of the Facebook page to an independent media company, who in my opinion would use it inappropriately. I also wouldn’t tolerate being bullied and even threatened to hand it over.

      5) Kallum has accused me of being behind the Chuck Sneed & Kallum Fraudgins comments on the Dorset eye web page. I can confirm with 100% certainty that i am not behind these comments nor do i have any idea who is.

      6) Within the comment section on the Dorset EYE article, a number of commenters make the claim I was or am suffering from a mental health crisis or breakdown. I can neither confirm or deny whether this is accurate however, if true such information should not have been shared.

      In summery I repeat, the article is substantively true!
      It was in the public’s interests for Dorset EYE to share these legitimate concerns.
      I have not shared false information about Dorset News as claimed.
      I am also not an ex employee nor have i ever been shown a Dorset News GDPR policy as claimed.
      I have not Defamed the Directors of Dorset News.

      I have no case to answer! However i am more than prepared to defend myself in court.

  4. Dorset EYE firstly I have known Jake for roughly 6 years and he is one of the nicest people i know that actully cares about others before himself.

    I meet him through his volunteer work for the ambulance service, where he responded to 999 emergency calls.

    He has worked in some well respected positions. For your info he has done security in the past but if you did your research hasn’t done for a while.

    So false reporting on your part.

    For you to indicate people as not suitable for a specific role or task, with out evening know them is wrong.

    Not once have I seen or heard of any person I know from Dorset news claim to be accredited.

    I do find it concerning how Dorset EYE exploited a source who has recently been going through a MENTAL HEALTH break down.

    I also find it concerning how Dorset EYE would publish data that was stolen by an individual.

    Shame on you !

    • Simon – I would like to point out that yes they have actually made out they are accredited journalists….

      “We are accredited journalists as well Thankyou very much we have ID’s

      You can find both companies on companies house….

      Kind Regards

      Kallum Gethins”

      So the big man himself is calling himself an accredited journalist… When in actual fact, he’s not & is a fraud. ???????? so well done you for condoning a fraudulent arsehole

  5. This does not represent the Jake we know!! He is very kind and understanding. He supported us all through Covid and continues to do so. In fact we have found this article quite distressing, why anyone should do a character assassination of Jake is beyond us!!

  6. What an excellent article. I am so glad a local media outlet has finally decided to highlight the unprofessionallism of Dorset News.

    They claim to be ‘press’ yet have no relevant questions or accreditation. My place of employment has recently had to warn them of potential legal action for their behaviour.

    They are frauds.

    Well done Dorset eye for finally bringing this issue up.

    The very mention of them and Weymouth carnival concerns me.

  7. I completely agree with Mr. Sneed, Kallum gethins of Douglas road, has also posted several provocative images and TikTok’s knowing he has a younger audience and is in a position of power being a security guard, while managing a “news agency” that has no journalistic integrity.

  8. It’s great to see some people can see what they’re doing is totally wrong, in fact it was very strange to see two replies very quickly after my original post trying to some-what defend him although the first reply comes off sarcastic to me so I’m not sure.
    I think he seems rather upset and is checking this article constantly! Knowing Kallum he’s probably sent people to reply to my comment or he’s doing it under false names, given the fact he’s always manipulating metrics through services as previously mentioned in my other comment with buying likes, etc. He probably wouldn’t want anything to tarnish his reputation.

    Not a good look for someone that runs a news outlet dont you think? You’ve already caused a number of careless issues for actual hard-working qualified people including the Dorset Echo, say what you want about them, but impersonating them is absolutely ridiculous and more careless acts like this will only dig yourself deeper into unimaginable problems for you. Dorset News is literally just poorly written clickbait articles, my daily poo has more substance than what’s published on there!

    Furthermore onto the carnival, just take one look at Certificate Of Incorporation for the carnival, to see how poorly written the answers are. It’s honestly a joke on something that meant a lot to the people of not just Weymouth but for everyone from all over that enjoyed it, just to tarnish its reputation with such incompetence and lack of respect only to gain more online attention.

    Wouldn’t exactly say Jake is a saint either posting stuff like this! All of this information is public by the way. https://ibb.co/R3nRfjD

    We all make mistakes and I really hope you’ll take this on the chin and learn from this, all the best.

  9. Chuck Sneed, it almost feels like you the one person who has it out for Dorset News?

    From what I’m aware with correspondence to certain people the previous employee who uploaded these documents to oust Dorset News has mental-health issues and Jason Cridland (the owner of Dorset Eye) is fully aware of this.

    This article is unprofessional in most ways possible.

    Dorset News is not exactly a Saint but it has changed its path and as journalist have every right to investigate any matters that have impact in public interests.

    Kallum and Jake I know very well, they put time and effort into Dorset News and have come out successful within the two years since Dorset News was established. By the looks of it becoming the biggest independent media company in Dorset.

    Okay they don’t have qualifications but they don’t need qualifications, they are registered with companies house. It’s just pure jealousy from the haters of Dorset News.

    Such an unjustified article and I wish Dorset News the best in investigating the matters with there solicitors.

  10. Dorset News is quality. I find it funny how Dorset Eye whom are lacking followers compared to Dorset News have made this article – seems like someone has touched the nerve of the owner of Dorset Eye (Jason Cridland).

    But what I will say is Well Done Dorset News for not retaliating publicly with this matter and remaining professional! I know Jake and Kallum really well and admire their work for the community, they have no personal gain and do not exploit anything that Chuck Sneed has mentioned.

    Kallum has a huge following on Instagram… so what?! What has that got to do with Dorset News? Same goes for TikTok… people are jealous of what the young man has done and are using false statements against him.

    Jake aswell has been a business partner for Kallum for two years looking back at companies house and both have a strong working relationship and I admire that.

    Also I would like to point out that Dorset Eye have used a source who is undergoing a mental-health crisis. Shame on you.

    Its sad that today’s society think its acceptable to attempt to tarnish such popularity of people by jealousy and false accusations.

  11. Having re read the article and the comments.
    It’s obvious people are commenting using fake names. From my own perspective, the article is good and highlights an issue with Dorset news. It’s worrying to have read the source was suffering a mental health crisis and I hope if true there are getting help and support.
    I wonder if either Dorset eye or Dorset news will make the identy of this source public so they can deny, justify or defend themselves.
    It’s been alleged information was stolen? If this is true then legal action should be taken but it would be good to see proof of this.
    There is more to this then we’re being told.

  12. I have been accused of being the one who posted the Sneed & fraudgins comments.
    I hope they have proof before making that evidence public.
    The way I was spoken to by Kallum Gethins was absolutely disgusting!!!

    I have all the proof Kallum, so don’t go thinking you can worm your way out of what you have said.

    I have evidence that Kallum claims that they are all “accredited journalists as well as having ID’s”

    This is fraudulent and unlawful. So really who has broken the law here?
    If you really want to seek legal action against the alleged source, I will be counter claiming. You are frauds & lack moral courage.

  13. Following Dorset News media Ltds threat of legal action over this article. I would like to make a number of issues clear and provide some context.

    The information and claims made within this article are substantively True and it was in the public’s interest for Dorset Eye to bring the concerns to the public’s attention.

    1) I can neither confirm or deny whether i am the source of the information however Dorset News alleged i am based on the photo of a press pass which was issued to me. *I will come onto the press pass later.

    2) Dorset News claim i am an ‘ex employee’ of Dorset News. This is false. I have never been an employee of Dorset news nor have i previously entered into contract with them whether written, verbal or implied. The false claim i am an ex employee is so Dorset News can set the narrative of a disgruntled ex employee in an attempt to discredit me. I did however volunteer to help Kallum when he and Jake fell out and Dorset news almost collapsed.

    3) The Press Pass, anyone can call themselves a journalist without any relevant qualifications and or accreditation. This was not the concern, the concern was that Kallum claims to be an accredited journalist, This is false and when i raised this concern with a relevant third party, they informed me doing so could amount to fraud and so upon their advice the press pass issued to me was destroyed. The picture of the press pass shown in the article was the picture i shared with this relevant third party. (I Have evidence of Kallum making this claim).

    4) Why didn’t i hand them control of the Weymouth Carnival Facebook page? Primarily Because i am concerned Dorset news would monopolise Carnival news coverage and use the carnival page to direct traffic to their own web page so they can personally gain revenue from advertisements. I believe it would have been wrong for me to give control of the Facebook page to an independent media company, who in my opinion would use it inappropriately. I also wouldn’t tolerate being bullied and even threatened to hand it over.

    5) Kallum has accused me of being behind the Chuck Sneed & Kallum Fraudgins comments on the Dorset eye web page. I can confirm with 100% certainty that i am not behind these comments nor do i have any idea who is.

    6) Within the comment section on the Dorset EYE article, a number of commenters make the claim I was or am suffering from a mental health crisis or breakdown. I can neither confirm or deny whether this is accurate however, if true such information should not have been shared.

    In summery I repeat, the article is substantively true!
    It was in the public’s interests for Dorset EYE to share these legitimate concerns.
    I have not shared false information about Dorset News as claimed.
    I am also not an ex employee nor have i ever been shown a Dorset News GDPR policy as claimed.
    I have not Defamed the Directors of Dorset News.

    I have no case to answer! However i am more than prepared to defend myself in court.

  14. Simon – I would like to point out that yes they have actually made out they are accredited journalists….

    “We are accredited journalists as well Thankyou very much we have ID’s

    You can find both companies on companies house….

    Kind Regards

    Kallum Gethins”

    So the big man himself is calling himself an accredited journalist… When in actual fact, he’s not & is a fraud. ???????? so well done you for condoning a fraudulent arsehole