Communities secretary Robert Jenrick urges people to 'buy a newspaper' as Royal Family thanks journalists

A government minister is urging the public to "buy a newspaper" to support local and national media facing "significant financial pressure" because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Communities secretary Robert Jenrick made his plea as he highlighted how regional papers continue to keep communities informed during the unprecedented crisis.

Among them are Rutland and Stamford Mercury and its sister titles across Iliffe Media, including the Grantham Journal, the Spalding Guardian and the Newark Advertiser.

Speaking at a Downing Street briefing yesterday (Wednesday, May 6), 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.

Iliffe Media has continued to print its titles, bringing readers across the county in-depth news, views and analysis of how coronavirus is affecting people across the area.

Our journalists have gone into the heart of the county's communities, reporting on the efforts of thousands of people to stem the spread of Covid-19 and those helping the most vulnerable.

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."

And today (Thursday, May 7), The Royal Family posted on its official Twitter account: "This #ThankfulThursday, let’s recognise all of the journalists and broadcasters working to keep us informed.

"From the national titles and broadcasters, to the local and regional outlets making a difference to the communities they serve - #ThankYou."

The Queen is patron of the Journalists' Charity, which provides financial advice and assistance to journalists nationwide.

Mr Jenrick's comments came as Iliffe Media relaunched its subscription service, offering readers up to 20% off the Mercury.

Subscribers will also gain free access to a newly developed app - allowing readers to enjoy every KM newspaper in digital format.

The app also brings you breaking news seven days a week, alongside exclusive content you won’t find on our websites.

Mercury editor Kerry Coupe said: “We understand people might not find it so easy to get to the shops right now, so this offer means readers do not need to worry about missing a single.

“There has never been a greater need for trusted, local journalism and we hope this will make it easier than ever to access it."

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