Our news and your support have never been as important

During this time of national emergency, our journalism is reaching more people across the UK than ever before, and we are working hard from our homes to keep publishing the most important news and information.

The government has recognised the vital part we have to play in helping our nation through this crisis.

By designating our journalists as key workers they want us to continue to provide the public with trusted, quality news and information and to support our communities. The Secretary of State for the Department of Culture and Media, Oliver Dowden, has said: “Public service news across TV, radio and print has never been more important than it is right now.”

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever, and in return, we will continue to cover the news – not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting stories happening in these dark days.

Our business is impacted in the same way as every other business is being affected.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers – and consequently the advertising that we receive – we are reliant more than ever on people buying a copy of our newspaper. So my request to you today is to help us to support you with the news and information we are providing.

We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people wanting to set up a regular purchase of their newspaper.

It’s easy to subscribe. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.

We have been inundated with thanks by our readers and by leaders in our communities for the work our journalists are doing.

For example, City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam Mcvey and Depute Leader Cammy Day have expressed how much they appreciate the work of The Scotsman’s sister title the Edinburgh Evening News. They said: “Now more than ever we are being made aware of the importance of accurate, informative reporting to help share vital information on this constantly changing situation, both locally and around the globe.

“Here in Edinburgh, we have long relied on the Evening News to provide quality, relevant news, and at this time our local newspaper is proving essential, whether it be through providing information on services or sharing uplifting stories of support from the local community.

“We recognise the crucial job the newspaper and its staff are doing to keep everyone fully informed and upto-date on the latest developments. The paper is at the heart of the community and we hope that as many people as possible continue to support it.”

We know there are many many more readers who feel the same.

So I would like to thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support – and we wish you all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the government advice.

Thank you.

● Jeremy Clifford is Editor-inchief, JPI Media

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