The Hunter Business Chamber is urging the community to consider taking out a subscription to show their support for struggling local newspapers amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
These calls come as Australian Community Media announces plans to shutter many of its regional publications until the end of June, including the Cessnock Advertiser, Hunter Valley News, and the Newcastle Star.
While dailies such as the Newcastle Herald and the Canberra Times will continue operating, a decline in traditional revenue raising methods such as business advertising has put heavy pressure on the industry.
Chamber CEO Bob Hawes says businesses and members of the community should now return the favour and lend a helping hand to local newspapers.
“Newspapers are the lifeblood of our local communities and do much to support business through editorial coverage, advertising opportunities and partnerships."
"They are a vital source of information, even though to many the digital format is a modern trend," said Mr Hawes. "But newspapers certainly fill a role both for businesses that wish to advertise and for communities that wish to get information."
Mr Hawes says it has been a "tough decision" for publications to make, but hopes the community will come together to help protect a valuable good.
“Trusted journalism has never been more important than it is now, in a time of global crisis, and we need local papers to be highlighting the needs, priorities and good news in their communities by telling local stories.”
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