THE local newspaper industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

While we are reaching more people than ever before through our websites, our business is under threat due to a fall in local newspaper sales and declining advertising revenue.

The harsh reality is unless the public starts to pay for the trusted local news we provide, our industry is at risk of dying out.

Local journalism is vital to democracy. Without our professionally-trained journalists, courts and councils would go uncovered — leaving room for widespread corruption and justice to go unreported.

The Daily Echo Bournemouth has been at the heart of the community since 1900 through the troubled times as well as the good times.

We have always been there to champion the causes of people and businesses across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and beyond.

No better example than throughout the current coronavirus pandemic when we have shown support for our under pressure frontline workers

Our paper is committed to holding power to account — from our round-the-clock coverage on the coronavirus pandemic to our independent reporting on the local government — our readers are at the heart of everything we do.

Our trusted local journalism is 100 per cent editorially independent. We set our own agenda with our readers in mind. We are free from commercial bias and are not influenced by politicians or shareholders. This matters as it means you can trust us to tell you the news straight.

However, high-quality journalism comes at a price. We hope you agree professional and trusted news is worth every penny. This is why our cover price will rise to 75p from Monday to Friday.

Since 1900, our paper has been covering Bournemouth. No one knows this place like we do. Please help secure our future and allow us to continue providing residents with trusted, local news by subscribing to our digital subscription service and home delivery service.

  • It couldn’t be easier to have your local newspaper delivered – just call 0800 953 0227 and our home delivery team will take your details securely over the phone.

For just £1 a week, you get unrivalled local coverage as well as a better user experience with up to 80% fewer adverts, faster loading pages and access to thousands of articles for free.

There are other ways you can help us survive too, such as:

• Buy a copy of the paper whenever you can

• Recommend friends and family sign up to our subscriptions

• Get behind us online by liking and sharing our content

• Get involved with the conversation. What would you like us to do more or less of?

Thank you for your support in helping us build a sustainable future for trusted local news.

We’re there with you — so please be there with us.

Gordon Sutter

Editor

Bournemouth Daily Echo