The News launches its We Love The News campaign to promote the value of buying a newspaper

For some it’s a daily staple, part of the routine, something to be savoured and devoured.

For others it's an occasional friend, picked up when remembered at the supermarket, or when we know someone who has been featured - sometimes good, sometimes not so good.

For some, it’s just a sneaky peek, read when found lying on a coffee table at a relative’s house, or in a cafe, or on the bus.

While the website continues to attract lots of attention, which ebbs and flows depending on the mood - the print version of the newspaper, which is still printed from the presses at Hilsea, remains constant. A trusty – and trusted – friend in a modern world.

There’s something beautiful about the physicality of a newspaper. How many of us have kept clippings? Either of ourselves or our loved ones. Framed cuttings? Tucked them away for someone to find years down the line?

And then there’s the wonder of finding a newspaper from decades ago in a loft. A little time capsule from that day. Views, interests, fashions - all summed up in one neat package.

The team works hard to make sure a wide range of issues are covered - from defence, to business, to health and education, politics, births, deaths, marriages, features, community sport, puzzles, and of course the big attention grabbers of crime and our fantastic Pompey.

We love what we do, and we love representing Portsmouth. That’s why we are proud to be making something that has been at the heart of our community since 1877.

We have been backing the #buyapaper campaign since its launch. It aims to encourage people to see the value in their local papers and to reach into their pocket and buy a copy.

Today, The News is launching its own campaign called We Love The News to share some of the ways that our newspaper has touched the lives of our readers.

Whether that’s by being featured, or promoting a good cause, or uncovering some wrongdoing, or just simply landing on your doormat every day, there are many ways in which The News plays a part in our readers’ lives.

We hope to celebrate these stories - and by doing so remind everyone why buying a newspaper is such a wonderful thing to do.

If you would like to be featured, and shine a light on the ways The News has helped you, your cause, charity, campaign, or business, email [email protected]

For Portchester resident Stuart Reed, The News has been at the heart of the community - and at the heart of his family life for decades.

The 79-year-old said: ‘In November 1958, while still at grammar school, I went for an interview at my local paper, the Sunderland Echo. The Echo was the other half of Portsmouth and Sunderland News group. Sadly the Echo had taken on its quota of cub reporters for the year but this was the start of my lifelong interest in regional newspapers.

‘Since then, I have worked in the press offices of four government departments and the Prime Minister’s Press Office at the time of Margaret Thatcher. During that time I dealt with national and local media making many friends along the way.

‘I also filed copy and pictures to British papers from conflicts in war torn countries like Cambodia, Bosnia, Central America and the Middle East. The News invariably carried these stories of derring do by the British military in foreign parts.

‘Now in retirement, I firmly believe that provincial newspapers will always be the cradle of British journalism. Recently I have become dismayed by the blatant political bias of national broadcasting. I know I can rely on The News to give me factual, even-handed reporting as well as details of what is happening in the area where I live. It remains at the heart of our local community.

‘The News always supports great local initiatives. Over the past decade, the Meon Valley Orchestra in which I play violin has raised well over £12,000 through its charity concerts in Fareham. The News publicised this all the way. And before the scourge of Covid, my wife Irene’s charity teas with home baked cakes also raised substantial funds for local charities. The News reported on these modest events too.

‘With pride, I often read of my hairdresser daughter Kate Preston and her salons team winning awards in hair and beauty competitions.Such activities are the very stuff of provincial life. The News continues to highlight these nuggets of information with accuracy and flair. Local heroes shine out from its pages.’

Founder of Solent Sky Services, Mike Woods, from Southsea, runs his business with wife Sara.

Mike started drone photography as a hobby. He founded the business in 2017 and has gone on to grow his hobby into a successful business.

Now a commercial drone pilot and digital content creator, his business captures unique aerial and ground visuals, which are regularly featured in The News.

The newspaper has played a key role in promoting his services, something which Mike says he’s grateful for.

Mike, 34, said: ‘Our first feature in The News came shortly after Solent Sky Services was founded.

‘Seeing some of our earliest aerial photos of Southsea in print was a real defining moment for the team, and that warm fuzzy feeling has never left us.

‘I love the positive news stories which highlight all the good things people are doing in our tiny island city.

‘The Portsmouth News has helped ignite interest in thousands of local ventures, and we count ourselves among the many family businesses who have enjoyed growing brand awareness thanks to their work.

‘As proud Portsmouth ambassadors, contributing our drone visuals to the website, social media, and newspaper is always an absolute pleasure.’