Stories on the BBC about the threat to local democracy because of the problems of newspaper groups like Johnston Press, does not mean print is dead.

Bedford enjoys a good range of print publications which add up to more than 100,000 copies delivered through doors on a regular basis:

• Bedford Bulletin (plus Kempston Calling and Northants Reporter)
• Affinity Magazine
• OVL
• Beds Local
• Beds County Life
• Business2Business
• The Bedford Clanger

Says our PR consultant and former journalist Jacquie Manners: “As someone who started her career on the Beds Times in the 1970s I very much hope that the Johnston Press Times&Citizen keeps going.

“The Bulletin series has recently upgraded into a tabloid newspaper size and along with the popular Kempston Calling and Rushden Reporter titles delivers 90,000 to homes in the Love Bedford catchment area. Old school newspaper publisher Martin Quince uses real journalists to produce some key material as well as supporting local groups and charities by publishing their press releases.

“The BedfordBID produces its own fantastic publications three times a year and distributes 20,000 each time to homes and outlets across Bedford.

“Because Love Bedford is selling the town to such a varied audience it has to tell its stories in print as well as online, for the latter it engages with top technological talent who manage the website and its social media platforms.

“In addition to all this, BedfordBID uses group buying power to pay for outdoor advertising and sponsorship which is aimed at bringing people into town.”