I subscribed to modeling magazines for decades. Pretty much all of them at one time or another (never Hornby tho). Airfix was my favorite for many years, especially when they had regular railway content. Also Model Rail.
But two things happened. I found I was reading the magazines less and less. I was getting news from the internet so there was never, ever any surprises when I finally got round to ripping off the plastic. In fact it was kind of silly. Blaring headlines about an exclusive story or scoop referred to something that was old hat. And if I wanted advice on how to solve the tricky modeling problem du jour, it was a heck of a business going through thousands of stacked magazines looking for the right reference. Google was instant. Forums took a bit longer to respond but still a shed load easier. Plenty to chose from.
The second thing was that I retired and money came in shorter supply. These magazine subscriptions started to look rather expensive. Especially after paying through the nose to have them shipped here to the US. So I Iet my last subscription (to Model Rail) lapse without renewal.
No withdrawal symptoms. I get regular emails from the manufacturers and leading retailers. I get notification of Facebook posts or manufacturer blog updates (like Engine shed). All manufacturers seem to post the latest news there. I logon and read forums like this once in a while when I'm in the mood. I feel better informed. All for the princely sum of exactly nothing.
So no, for me at least, there is no need for Hornby or anyone else to spend money on communicating with the printed or online press. I say use the money to produce more and better models. Which they appear to be doing!