Why we are charging a little more for your PT

This week we are increasing the price of the PT by a small amount to £1.45. The reason for this increase is not merely that our own costs are rising - true though that is. The way newspapers are funded is profoundly different from most other products you can purchase in the supermarket or newsagents. Historically, the lion’s share of the costs of our journalism and the production of our titles has been met by advertising. Without that advertising, if the reader was to pay the full price then each issue of the PT would cost several pounds. But that subsidy we receive from advertising is decreasing in a digital age. So if we are to continue to deliver the exceptional, trusted local journalism which I know you value, we have to charge a little more for the paper to help offset the lower advertising revenue. We are, as ever, seeking to keep the increase to a minimum so we are constantly looking at ways to reduce our own costs provided they do not impact on the quality journalism you expect of us. In an era of ‘fake news’, social media trolling, and unsubstantiated rumour that abounds on unregulated websites, your local newspaper remains the most trusted and authoritative source of information and comment. We are also accountable. We don’t hide behind nameless social media accounts and websites where the point of contact is a nameless email account. We adhere to the IPSO code of conduct and we have offices in the city . We meet our readers every day and we listen to what you tell us, whether that be a compliment or a complaint. But those professional standards which range from the extensive training we provide our journalists with to checking processes and our adherence to our professional code of conduct and independent regulation cost money. The PT’s readership has never been greater thanks to our rapidly growing on-line audience. That is great news for advertisers and for democracy itself - because it shows just how interested local people are in the local news. Compared to the cost of local newspapers elsewhere in the country, the PT remains great value. So I do hope you will help us to continue to deliver the very best local news service by encouraging friends and neighbours to purchase a copy every week - #buyapaper - an annual subscription would also make the perfect Christmas present!

Thank you for your support. We couldn’t do it without you.