'Psychic News' Faces Closure Amid Financial Struggles

The long-running 'Psychic News' magazine, a cornerstone of British spiritualism, is facing a financial crisis that could lead to its closure. The publication, which has been in circulation for over eight decades, is now in jeopardy due to a combination of financial challenges and the withdrawal of critical funding.

Tony Ortzen, the editor of 'Psychic News', has dedicated his life to the magazine, having started as a junior reporter in 1972. Now aged 72, Ortzen continues to lead a small team in their efforts to save the publication. However, like many in the news industry, they have been hit hard by declining print circulation and rising costs.

In an interview with *The Guardian*, Ortzen candidly stated, "We didn't have to consult a clairvoyant to know that times were tough. What we didn't foresee coming was that the charity that has funded us was going to withdraw its subsidy."

The charity in question, JV Trust, had been providing a subsidy to cover the magazine's financial losses. This support has been crucial in keeping 'Psychic News' afloat. However, the charity recently informed the magazine that this funding would be gradually reduced and eventually stopped altogether. This development has compounded the existing issues that have plagued many print publications, such as the decline in readership and the soaring costs of production and distribution.

"When people are hard up, they'll cut back on things like newspapers and magazines and going out for meals," he told The Guardian. "It's combination of unfortunate circumstances."

In response to the financial crisis, Ortzen has launched an appeal in an attempt to raise £30,000 to keep the magazine running. The 'Save Psychic News' fundraiser has so far amassed around 6% of its target, but donations are still being accepted. Supporters can contribute by visiting the fundraiser page on GoFundMe.

'Psychic News' has a long tradition of investigative journalism within the spiritualist community, particularly in exposing fraudulent mediums—those who falsely claim to have the ability to communicate with the dead. The magazine's commitment to integrity has earned it a reputation for professionalism in a field that is often marred by scepticism and controversy.

Ortzen, who trained as a reporter with the National Council for the Training of Journalists, emphasised that the magazine exists to promote spiritualist beliefs but does so with a rigorous, professional approach to journalism. This approach, he says, is often lacking in other spiritualist outlets, particularly those online or among social media influencers.

"Over the years, no one has been more forceful in exposing fake mediums than 'Psychic News'," Ortzen said. "I want to stress the majority of mediums are painfully honest people who will go to a spiritualist church and demonstrate on a soaking wet Friday night for £15 and don't even get their petrol money. But as in all walks of life there's the odd rogue and vagabond."

One of the ongoing challenges in the spiritualist community, according to Ortzen, is the lack of scrutiny applied to those claiming to have mediumistic abilities. "The problem is, anyone can say: ‘I am a medium,'" he said, highlighting the need for greater accountability and verification within the field.

As 'Psychic News' battles to stay alive, its legacy as a trusted source of spiritualist journalism hangs in the balance. Whether the publication can weather this financial storm remains to be seen, but for now, the team continues to fight for its survival.