Ipswich Star editor urges readers to help him ensure Suffolk never becomes a ‘news desert’

The editor of the Ipswich Star has urged readers to help him prevent the town from becoming a ‘news desert.’

Brad Jones made the call in an editorial on the title’s website as they launched a contributions and donations scheme.

Using donation tool Press Patron, already used by Archant stablemate The New European, the Star is asking people to make one-off donations or commit to monthly support.

Brad wrote: “You can guess what happens next in those places when the vital scrutiny that a campaigning local newspaper provides is gone; when no-one is there to shine a light on that which is hidden from the public.

“I’m determined that Ipswich will never become a news desert — and I need your help to stop it happening.

“That’s why I’m asking you to give your financial support to our work. You can contribute any amount you like, as a one-off or a recurring contribution.

“Why am I asking this now?

“More of you are reading the Ipswich Star than ever before, and increasingly that is on your mobile phones, tablets and laptops rather than in print.

“We’re delighted to serve so many of you — but please understand that trusted journalism costs money to produce, and the money we make from digital page views is a fraction of that from paper sales.

“Our advertising revenues have also been hit by the tech giants, many of whom pay little or no tax here.

“Still, we are determined to continue to keep fighting for you and our area.

“For example, we challenge how taxpayers’ money is spent, and have put the failings of our mental health trust in the spotlight, telling the stories of those let down by the service.

“In this current pandemic, we’ve launched the Home But Not Alone campaign to help recruit volunteers to support those in need, and shine a light on the acts of kindness in our local communities.

“We’ve led the fundraising campaign for a statue of Ipswich Town’s greatest ever player, Kevin Beattie — fans responded magnificently, and it will be unveiled soon.

“And when our area is under stress through extraordinary weather events like the Beast From The East, we share vital information, tell the stories which matter and salute the heroes.

“Our distribution team continues to work tirelessly to make sure as many residents as possible have access to our newspapers, especially for those unable to leave their homes.

“So please help us with a contribution to supporting award-winning local journalism that makes a measurable difference to our community.

“Every single gesture of support will help us make sure Suffolk does not become a news desert.”

You can read more on the Star’s plans here.

The Guardian pioneered the donations and contributions model, while last month Reach launched a pilot scheme on the Liverpool Echo along similar lines.

Other publishers have introduced micropayments and donations schemes with emerging tech firm Axate, while Newsquest and JPI Media are both rolling out paywalls, although along very different lines.

Newsquest says it expects the majority of its content to remain free, and seeks payment after 40 stories have been read. JPIMedia seeks payment after five stories.

This week, the Belfast Telegraph launched a paywall, charging £1.99 a week. It means that two of the three main news sites in Belfast, the Newsletter and the Telegraph, now charge for content. The third, Reach’s digital-only BelfastLive brand, remains free.