Local journalism has never been more important but we need your support too - Laura Collins, YEP Editor

Regional journalism is part of the fabric of our local communities.

The Yorkshire Evening Post has been right at the heart of telling Leeds’ stories since 1890 – we celebrate, we champion and we hold the powerful to account.

And that has never been more important as we face one of the most uncertain and unsettling years in the wake of the pandemic.

We made a pledge to our readers earlier this year – alongside regional newspapers up and down the country – that we would be #therewithyou. And we’ve stuck to that promise.

We’ve reported on every twist and turn through some of our city’s darkest of times.

The YEP has kept our city up to date with vital public health information. We’ve shared treasured memories of loved ones who have sadly succumbed to the virus.

Our news pages have been filled with hundreds of pictures of our #healthheroes to thank those on the frontline in our city’s health care response.

The YEP has championed local businesses as they diversified and we continue to support our high streets as they face a fight for survival.

Our journalists have been there through the bleak days and we’re still here today helping you to navigate your way through what the latest restrictions mean for our city and the people who are proud to live and work here.

Independent research, published today as part of Journalism Matters week by the News Media Association, shows that the public place great value on news and information from sources they can trust during the pandemic.

Just 35 per cent of people think social media is a trustworthy source of news and the use of social media as a source of news is declining.

News organisations are more than four times as trusted for news and information on coronavirus as social media. And research shows that 87 per cent of adult internet users are turning to traditional media as a source of Covid-19 information.

The Queen writes as part of Journalism Matters week: “The Covid-19 pandemic has once again demonstrated what an important public service the established news media provides, both nationally and regionally.

“As our world has changed dramatically, having trusted, reliable sources of information, particularly at a time when there are so many sources competing for our attention, is vital.

“The efforts of the news media to support communities throughout the United Kingdom during the pandemic have been invaluable.”

Regional journalism has played a fundamental role as we continue to make sense of what happens next.

But imagine a world where there are no local journalists on the ground to provide that information that matters to you. Our towns, cities and democracy would be a much poorer place without local journalists championing or holding powerful to account.

Trusted news and regional journalism is more important than ever.

And we need your support to make sure that the YEP can continue to be #therewithyou and tell the stories of our city for many more generations to come.

A message from the Editor:

Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds.Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.