City University’s controversial independent newspaper The Inquirer could be forced to shut down if a new fundraising campaign is unsuccessful.

Set up in 2006, the independent publication has caused debate since issue one, reporting on how political student groups were banned with the excuse that they might harbour ‘terrorists’, successfully fighting against plans to sell off halls of residence, and lifting the lid on corruption within the university.

The Inquirer has until now been sustained principally by advertising, but last year it lost over £1,000, which last year’s editor Tom Walker puts down to the ‘credit crunch’.

The paper has now decided to appeal to readers for donations, through Facebook and a page on its own website.

The crusade, which Walker says began as a “hmm, wonder if this might work” idea, has raised nearly £1000 so far and many students have pledged to donate as soon as they receive their loans.

The Inquirer requires exactly £2,500 per year to publish its five issues, and neither contributors nor distributors make any financial gain from the publication.

Walker says: “Because the university does not hold the purse strings, we have the control and can basically print what we like”. He added that students were concerned that the loss of The Inquirer would be a step toward campus censorship.

Anna Mckane, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Journalism said: “I fully support The Inquirer, which has been excellent for City. It is fulfilling an important role in trying to probe into what is going in several areas of the university. Added to that, it is a very good read!”

Nikhil Raj Cumlajee, SU President, told London Student he was “all for free press. We encourage our students to voice their opinions in any way they feel they want to.”

Despite the success of the campaign, more help is needed. Walker vows: “We will be more grateful than anyone can ever know for each and every penny.”

Donate at: http://www.cityinquirer.com/donate

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