Less pink ink

9.49.32am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 25th Jun 2009

Long-running LGBT newspaper the Pink Paper is to cease publishing in print, it was announced today. One of the best known publications for the lesbian, gay, bi and trans communities, the Pink Paper began publication in 1987 as a weekly free newspaper, and more recently published every fortnight.

In a statement on their website, they say it's a simple matter of their main advertising revenue being from sectors hit hard by the recession: "This time last year (the Pink Paper) was a very successful business but since then organisations have slashed their spend on print advertising, meaning the paper has been unable to cover its costs." The publication will continue in an online form, and there is an implied hope to return to print in the future.

DELGA Chair Jen Yockney said, "Many of us found the Pink Paper to be a lifeline especially in those days before the web, when you were lucky to get even a mention of a major Pride event in the mainstream media. I hope their continuation as an online publication works out well, as we need a diverse community press."