Because in times of need they can be quite useful to have on side. How would our campaigns against Archer and the Falmer saga have gone with no, or negative coverage even, from the Argus? How much was the Argus publicity worth to BHAFC during the dark days? Again this is probably aimed more at...
Who was the lower league club recently that barred the local paper from reporting at the club until they paid a fee up front? Ridiculous idea, it's free advertising and publicity for clubs, would be stupid to push them away. Maybe different for Premier League clubs but certainly for clubs lower...