Three quarters of independent news providers in the UK are at risk of closure due to COVID-19.

94% of independent news providers in the UK expect the COVID-19 crisis to have a ‘negative’ or ‘very negative’ impact on their organisation.

 

75% fear this might result in temporary or permanent closure.

 

80% do not have insurance that covers the challenges they now face.

 

65% do not believe that the Government recognises the role of journalism in responding to the crisis or is doing enough to help the sector right now.

 

They are particularly concerned about: 

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  • the loss of online advertising;

  • the suspension of distribution, with knock-off effects for advertising;

  • the loss of income from donations and subscriptions;

  • the suspension of complimentary business activities, which are a common source of income in this sector.

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Source: survey ran in partnership by the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF), ICNN, IMPRESS and Bureau Local between 23 and 26 March 2020. Total respondents: 53 independent news providers. More about the survey.

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Independent news providers include local, hyperlocal and regional newspapers and websites, alongside non-profit investigative journalism organisations and publications aimed at BAME groups or communities of interest. They are small but professional organisations, with turnover below £2m and a commitment to high standards of journalism.

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They reach over 14.9 million unique visitors online every month; and have a collective print run of over 426,800.

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Source: PINF / ICNN.

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