More than half of student newspapers have shared fears they could fold within the next year.

A new survey from the Student Publication Association has revealed 52pc of its member publications are concerned they could cease publication within the next 12 months.

Almost three-quarters of publications surveyed which rely on students’ union support have seen their funding reduced and, of those, 79pc have had their budgets halved.

Almost of publications with a regular print run said they would not be able to publish a print newspaper or magazine at the start of the year, with 79pc of those described themselves as either “slightly” or “very concerned” that their publication would never print regularly again.

Three out of five were concerned that Covid-19 would impact on their publication’s ability to conduct journalism.

SPA chair Owain Evans, pictured, who led the research, said: “We are extremely concerned about the findings of this study. Student media is one of the most vital institutions on our campuses, ensuring students’ voices are heard and universities held to account.

“We believe that, without reassurances that funding will be restored as soon as feasible, some publications will inevitably cease to operate. This will leave the future generations of our industry without a space to hone their skills.

“As an Association, we’re calling on students’ unions and universities to be open with their student publications, provide the support they need to get through this difficult time, and to commit to restoring funding to pre-pandemic levels.

“Anything short of that will only lead to a deficit in accountability on our campuses, and a lack of opportunities for the journalists of the future.”

Ian Murray, executive director of the Society of Editors, said: “Student newspapers are invaluable for providing journalists of the future from all backgrounds with a taste of the profession and also, of course, keeping students and the whole university and college community they serve well informed.

“Holding those who run our universities to account is part of the wider role the media plays in public life as a whole. The denigration of such a role is in no one’s interest.

“The printed editions still play an important role in student life as do the printed versions of newspapers in the wider world, and it is to be hoped that after this pandemic has passed as many titles as possible will return to providing printed copies of their excellent work.”