Why newspapers like ours now need help – The Yorkshire Post says

Their joint letter to Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor and a fellow Yorkshire MP, shows how much they value the independent and trusted journalism that this title has embodied since 1754.

And it is also recognition of the positive difference that agenda-setting campaigns, from Power Up To The North to the issue of loneliness, makes to this county thanks to the collaborative efforts of thistitle, and the area’s MPs, on behalf of this county.

As this newspaper, just like every other business, makes unavoidable and difficult decisions about staff, the request to the Treasury is two-fold.

First, to extend the 100 per cent business rates ‘holiday’ for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses to news publishers; and then to convince the Government to place ‘public health’ advertisements in local newspapers to promote safe distancing and other measures that need to be implemented during this national struggle for survival.

Yes, such measures will enable newspapers, both in print and digitally, to continue to speak truth to power in the responsible manner that has, for example, seen The Yorkshire Post become the most trusted publication in the country – testimony to the most committed editorial team in Britain.

But it will also help the Government to reach out to that significant cohort of the population who do not have broadband; are not internet-savvy; are socially isolated and rely on trusted publications like ours because they value the integrity of its coverage.

We thank them too. And, just like our MPs, we look forward to a favourable response from Mr Sunak. Over to you, Chancellor.

Editor’s note: first and foremost - and rarely have I written down these words with more sincerity - I hope this finds you well.

Almost certainly you are here because you value the quality and the integrity of the journalism produced by The Yorkshire Post’s journalists - almost all of which live alongside you in Yorkshire, spending the wages they earn with Yorkshire businesses - who last year took this title to the industry watchdog’s Most Trusted Newspaper in Britain accolade.

And that is why I must make an urgent request of you: as advertising revenue declines, your support becomes evermore crucial to the maintenance of the journalistic standards expected of The Yorkshire Post. If you can, safely, please buy a paper or take up a subscription. We want to continue to make you proud of Yorkshire’s National Newspaper but we are going to need your help.

Postal subscription copies can be ordered by calling 0330 4030066 or by emailing [email protected]. Vouchers, to be exchanged at retail sales outlets - our newsagents need you, too - can be subscribed to by contacting subscriptions on 0330 1235950 or by visiting www.localsubsplus.co.uk where you should select The Yorkshire Post from the list of titles available.

If you want to help right now, download our tablet app from the App / Play Stores. Every contribution you make helps to provide this county with the best regional journalism in the country.

Sincerely. Thank you.

James Mitchinson

Editor