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Churchgoers urged to buy local papers or risk losing ‘best friends’

A former Church of England PR chief has urged Christians to buy their local newspaper – warning them they are in danger of losing their “best friends in the media” if titles are forced to close.

Peter Crumpler, who has previously served as the C of E’s director of communications, has urged churchgoers to back local press titles which he said were “teetering on the brink of extinction” due to the coronavirus crisis.

Writing for Christian Today, Peter described the difficulties facing the industry as “bad news for the nation’s churches” due to the comprehensive coverage given to them in regional papers.

In his piece, he posed the question ‘Are British Christians in danger of losing their best friends in the media?’ and described the industry as “one of the many casualties of the coronavirus shutdown”.

Peter Crumpler

Peter, pictured above, wrote: “The thousands of local papers and their associated websites and social media feeds have often been the best ways for local churches to promote their services, activities and events to the community around.

“The coverage churches receive from their local or regional media is far more comprehensive than national reporting. This tends to focus mainly on high-profile rows and initiatives – and these largely within the Church of England.

“Other denominations and the UK’s thriving independent churches seldom win national newspaper coverage.

“Local titles have often given the best coverage to grassroots church projects and been open to publishing regular Christian comment columns.”

Peter, who now works as a priest in St Albans, added: “Research shows that people value local news. Objective, professional reporting cannot be replaced by community Facebook or WhatsApp group.

“The local and regional media play a vital role in holding elected officials to account, and keeping people informed of decisions being taken in their name

“They highlight the work of numerous local charities, from food banks to debt counselling services, and publicise their fundraising. They promote voluntary groups that bring people together.

“As local and regional media teeter on the brink of extinction, Christians can play their part by paying for their news – online or in print – promoting support for the local media in their church networks and supplying them with news and information.”