The business of local news is hard – and it’s not getting any easier

A pile of copies of the October 2025 issue of Barnet Post

We love reporting what’s going on in Barnet but the business of local news publishing is really hard.

Between 2007 and 2022, the number of local journalists employed by major news publishers in the UK dropped by two thirds from 8,847 to 2,830.

And 293 local newspapers have closed since 2005.

We make local news freely available to people in Barnet but local journalism is not free to produce.

Last year, the Post published 1,232 news stories.

We printed and distributed 180,000 free copies of the newspaper.

We ran news stories on important issues such as major planning applications, amplifying local people’s views while explaining how decisions were reached.

We published features on local arts events and the challenges faced by the borough’s charities.

Our supporters and our advertisers make it possible to continue writing, editing, printing and distributing the Post. It is never less than a struggle.

We’re looking for patrons who can donate £500 or more to support Barnet Post to thrive and grow.

Email [email protected] for more information.

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else. £84 annual supporters get a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month's before anyone else.