Island Echo is the Isle of Wight’s truly independent, 24-hour news outlet, keeping Islanders informed and on the move around the clock with the latest breaking news, court and crime news, community information, sport and more as it happens.
Island Echo was founded in Wootton in May 2012. Following a successful 3-month BETA test to show the format worked and was of interest to Islanders, the Echo relaunched via social media only in October 2012 – the start of the strong social following we have today.
The website relaunched early in 2013 and took the Island by storm and now, all these years later, Island Echo is the leading locally-owned news website for the Isle of Wight with an ever-growing readership. Google considers us to be Number 1 for ‘Isle of Wight news’.
In October 2019, Island Echo was named Micro Business of the Year at the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2019. Then, in June 2020, Island Echo was awarded Highly Commended for the ICNN Community News Website of the Year at the newsawards 2020, sponsored by Google News Initiative. Just 12 months later, in November 2021, Island Echo went on to clinch the title to be named ICNN Community Website of the Year.
A further award has since followed, picking up Highly Commended for the Entrepreneur Award at the Isle of Wight Chamber Business Awards 2025.
Island Echo is published and owned by Island Echo Ltd. (10015091) – a company registered in England and Wales. Registered address: Fortis House, Cothey Way, Ryde, Isle of Wight PO33 1QT. VAT Number: 358464857.
The Team
Darren Toogood – Editor/Publisher ([email protected])
Darren started his career as a photojournalist at just 16 years of age, reporting across the Isle of Wight for regional, national and international media. Driven by a passion for trusted local journalism, this true Caulkhead founded Island Echo in 2012 and has since grown it into a multi-award-winning publication. Darren holds a Diploma with Honours in Media Law from the London School of Journalism.
James Rann – Digital News Reporter ([email protected])
Another true Islander, James left the Isle of Wight to study at Southampton Solent University, where he graduated with a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), before joining the Island Echo newsroom in 2022. Since then, he has built a strong reputation for accurate, engaging local journalism, with a particular focus on court reporting.
Mackenzie Whittaker – Digital News Reporter ([email protected])
Born on the Isle of Wight, Mackenzie spent much of her childhood in the UAE. She first joined Island Echo as a work experience student before becoming part of the editorial team full-time in June 2026. Mackenzie holds a BA (Hons) in Multimedia Journalism from News Associates in London, alongside an NCTJ Diploma in Journalism to Gold Standard – the highest level of achievement recognised by the National Council for the Training of Journalists.
Warren Whitmore – Sports and Heritage Reporter ([email protected])
Warren has a passion for Isle of Wight football and can always be found on the sidelines with his notepad and pen at the ready, come rain or shine. He has reported on local sport for Island Echo for more than 6 years and also produces the ever-popular heritage articles published each week. Born and raised on the Isle of Wight, Warren spent more than 20 years living in Poland, where he ran his own English language school. He speaks 3 languages fluently and is also a qualified teacher.
Carl Atkinson-Goffe – Commercial Manager ([email protected])
With more than a decade of experience in media sales, Carl joined Island Echo as Commercial Manager in 2024. He previously spent many years as a Regional Trainer for Tesco Mobile, helping to develop teams and drive commercial performance across the South. Carl is passionate about helping local businesses grow through effective advertising and marketing. Away from the office, he is a keen chef.
Contributors
• Rufus Pickles – Local Democracy Reporter (Isle of Wight)
• Alan Whitewood and Suzanne Whitewood MBE
