Archant is preparing to ask its readers for donations to sustain its local titles, in a model similar to that used by the Guardian.

The regional publisher has told staff the new model is “something we need to do to stay in the game” in the event its print titles stop being profitable.

Chief content officer Matt Kelly said the coronavirus crisis has made the situation “exceptionally acute”, but added it is a “long-term issue that must be solved if local journalism is to thrive”.