According to The Guardian there are probably fewer local newspapers in Britain now than at any time since the 18th century, replaced by social media where people now get their local news and information – or misinformation!
From 2009 to 2019 more than 320 titles have closed, largely due to falling advertising revenues which shrunk by up to 70%. The long-term decline was also accelerated with the arrival of the Covid pandemic which has lead to staff and resources being slashed, resulting in much diminished coverage as a result.
Remaining publications are less likely to be owned by proprietors with a stake in their communities, and more and more by big conglomerates whose main priority is extracting cash. More than two-thirds of UK titles are held by the three largest publishers which leaves around 400 independents.
Production costs are now rocketing, businesses are cutting back further on advertising and whilst individual reporters and organisations still do remarkable work, they do it against the odds.
This is not just a UK problem, it’s global. In the United States papers are closing at the rate of two per week. Local newspapers were never perfect but the social costs of losing coverage genuinely rooted in communities is profound, and “news deserts” – without a reliable source of local news – tend to be places deprived in other ways.
Local news organisations encourage people to use local services and businesses, go to theatres or join campaigning groups. They inform people about rights and services and help to promote accountability. Importantly, they also sustain communities in less tangible ways by making people feel part of society. They allow them to assess what they read in the context of their own experience, and encourage them to see news as a source of practical and helpful information
There is plenty of evidence to show that people value local news and all its benefits but you won’t be surprised to learn that there is less evidence that they will pay enough to make it sustainable.
There is no single easy fix but public funding is a crucial part of the mix. Rye News is a valuable asset to the town: it is read and appreciated by an ever increasing audience from a diverse and growing demographic. Remember, it is run entirely by volunteers who give up their time regularly to make sure the paper exists. Rye News was published every week throughout the pandemic; it might have been slimmer and with fewer stories but it didn’t stop.
We survive through the generosity of donations, we are moving with the times and broadening our horizons and feel rightly proud that Rye News continues to grow in popularity. Thank you for your support and if you fancy coming on board…
Image Credits: Rye News library .