Strand News, the court agency which covers the Royal Courts of Justice, High Court and Court of Appeal, appears to have been saved from possible closure, HoldtheFrontPage reports today.
In June, journalism.co.uk reported that Strand News editor James Brewster had sent out letters to newspapers appealing for unpaid bills to be paid and warning that the 20 year old agency could go out of business.
He said the income of the agency, which employs seven reporters, was not covering its costs.
Brewster has told HTFP that although times continue to be tough, the agency seems to have weathered the storm and staved off the immediate threat of closure.
He said: "The letter we wrote to news editors had a very positive response. I think many people realised that effective news gathering from the Royal Courts of Justice is something which the media in general cannot afford to lose.
"Business is still very tough, as one would expect, but I now feel that we will be able to ride out the storm. The past 18 months have undoubtedly been the toughest of Strand News' 20-year history and I am obviously relieved that we will be able to continue with our work."
News agencies are the unsung heroes of the press with their work often appearing under staff journalists' by-lines. At one time the Daily Star acknowleged this by giving a monthly award to the best agency story.
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