We are facing something that we have never experienced before. The Coronavirus pandemic has had an immeasurable impact on normal life and businesses right across the country are experiencing huge uncertainty.
And it’s times like these when more and more people are turning to trusted media outlets for news and information and that’s why one of Ireland’s largest news media organisations Reach has launched an editorial campaign across its localised news sites to support local businesses in the regions in which they operate.
The campaign was most recently rolled out on Cork Beo with the message – our city is in this together.
#InThisTogether is a public declaration to the small businesses of the city and county of Cork that the news site is there to support them.
Now, more than ever, news brands can be a powerful force for good in helping small businesses through the difficult times ahead. Many businesses have had to change how they do business, a lot have had to temporarily close their doors.
Through the campaign, Cork Beo will stand up for businesses that need support by informing readers, in the same responsible manner that it shares important news with them daily, how they can still support their local businesses as the city battles to survive the coronavirus crisis.
Joe O’Shea, Editor of Cork Beo, said: “These are very difficult times for the people of Cork city and county and we are very aware of our responsibilities when it comes to keeping our readers fully informed, to making sure they are fully up to date on the latest news and advice and also, where possible, to lifting their mood in what are pretty grim times.”
“We have already seen a fantastic grass-roots response from the business people of Cork with their ‘Love Cork – Back Soon’ poster campaign, and we are determined to place the positive news for Cork front and centre of our coverage where possible.
“Our small businesses and their customers are understandably concerned about the coming weeks and possibly months ahead – so #InThisTogether will allow us to address these concerns, showcase the positive initiatives and stories and bring as much hope as we can as Cork looks towards bouncing back as strongly as possible.”
#InThisTogether was first rolled out on Belfast Live, which is part of the same publishing group as Cork Beo, and is due to launch on the other sister site, Dublin Live, soon too.
In March, Reach sites amassed a record 84.2 million total page views across its five Irish sites comprising Irish Mirror, RSVP Live, Dublin Live, Cork Beo and Belfast Live. That is an increase of 95% YoY which proves the vital public service provided by the media.
