North of Scotland newspaper The Press & Journal (P&J) have pledged to support The Gaudie student newspaper.
In an unprecedented sponsorship, the P&J have agreed to reduce the cost of printing by more than half of the previous price until at least the end of the year.
In exchange for the reduction in printing costs, each edition of The Gaudie under the deal will feature a full page advert encouraging readers to subscribe to The Press & Journal.
The deal was possible to arrange because the newspaper group comes under the portfolio of D.C. Thomson, who own a large printing press facility in Dundee.
Craig Walker, P&J editor, said “We’re proud to support The Gaudie because strong student journalism strengthens the future of our industry.”
Mr Walker described The Gaudie as having a “rich heritage” and “a reputation for giving the student population a strong voice.” Mr Walker shared:
“A thriving student publication gives emerging reporters the space to question, investigate and tell stories that matter to their communities.
“It builds the skills, confidence and curiosity that is needed to make a career as a journalist.”
The sponsorship announcement comes as the financial future of this publication remains at risk; our newspaper has suffered from diminishing grant funding and increasing operational costs.
Oliver Kennedy, an Editor-in-Chief at The Gaudie shared that he is “delighted” to secure the “momentous agreement”, adding he is “grateful” to Craig Walker for the P&J’s support. He shared:
“This agreement allows The Gaudie to look forward to marking a century of student journalism with confidence.
“Several of our student journalists have contributed to the P&J in recent years and securing our print edition allows more students to get involved and develop their skills.”
The Gaudie has been a pillar of campus life at University of Aberdeen life since 1934, whereas the P&J was established in 1747.
Oliver remarked that it is “fitting” that Scotland’s oldest daily newspaper and oldest independent student newspaper have been able to collaborate for the benefit of journalism in Aberdeen:
“Like us, The Press and Journal know the importance of local reporting and building positive relationships within the community. We are aligned in our goal to share developments within the university and Old Aberdeen area. We look forward to strengthening the link between our newspapers.”
Over its nine decade history, The Gaudie has been sold for a low price – and in the recent past it has been distributed across campus for free.
Over the past three years, our committee has run two emergency fundraisers to help maintain free access to student journalism.
Typically, the paper is funded by grants from the University’s Development Trust and the Students’ Union (AUSA), where our paper is supported as an autonomous Student Group.
With “added financial stress” this academic year, The Gaudie has resumed paid advertising, where local and national businesses have engaged with the newspaper to offer readers a range of services.
Parties interested in advertising with us may contact marketing@thegaudie.com for further information.