Why communities secretary Robert Jenrick has urged people to ‘buy a newspaper’
Government minister Robert Jenrick urged the public to “buy a newspaper” to support local and national media facing “significant financial pressure” because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The communities secretary made his plea as he highlighted how regional papers continue to keep communities informed during the unprecedented crisis.
Speaking at a Downing Street briefing yesterday, Mr Jenrick said: “Regional journalists are doing so much to keep people informed on how the national effort is being communicated in our own communities.
“A free country needs a free press and the national, the regional and the local newspapers of our country are under significant financial pressure.
“I would like to echo the words of the Culture Secretary recently in encouraging everyone who can to buy a newspaper.”
With a reduction in advertising in both print and online significantly decreasing revenue, many media companies across the UK have been forced to furlough staff.
The Cambridge Independent and its sister titles within Iliffe Media continue to be printed every week, bringing readers in-depth news, views and analysis of how coronavirus is affecting the region.
We have been at the heart of reporting efforts to support the community, and have aided businesses with our campaign, Keeping Cambridge in Business.
Last week, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said in The Times: “Newspapers are at heart of the British media and essential to its vibrant mix.
“People across the country are rising to the coronavirus challenge and I suggest we all add one small thing to our to-do list: buy a paper.”
Mr Jenrick’s comments came as the Cambridge Independent launched a new app as part of our subscription offer.
Subscribers to the newspaper enjoy 30 per cent off, and gain free access to the newly-developed app to enjoy on mobiles or tablets.
You can enjoy breaking news seven days a week and look forward to exclusive content you won’t find on our websites.
And, crucially, the app includes a complete page-turning digital edition of the newspaper, and access to its full archive.
Editor Paul Brackley said: “We understand some people will find it difficult to get to the shops, but this offer means you do not need to worry about missing a single edition.
“There has never been a greater need for trusted, local journalism and we hope this will make it easier than ever to access it.”
Sign up for a subscription here.
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