Labour Launch Campaign for Local Newspapers

Wendy Alexander MSP is backing a campaign to support local newspapers. Labour will be using a Holyrood debate this week to demand that the Scottish Government drop its proposals to allow local councils to put public notices online instead of in newspapers.

This proposal from the Finance Secretary John Swinney is undemocratic because many people still do not have access to the internet and it could mean changes being introduced without proper scrutiny.

According to a report from the Scottish Affairs Select Committee, at Westminster, the change could also do irreversible damage to local newspapers by costing them up to £10 million in lost revenue.

Wendy Alexander MSP said:

“Labour is launching this campaign because local newspapers, like the Paisley Daily Express and the Gazette are vitally important to Scotland’s democratic and cultural life. I hope that MSPs from all parties will support us in this week’s debate.

“Local newspapers are particularly important because they are important employers in our communities and nobody else can tell you what is going on down your street.

“If the Scottish Government don’t drop their plan to allow councils to put public notices online they will take vital revenue away from an industry which is already facing significant challenges and could force some papers to close.

“Their proposals are also deeply undemocratic because many people don’t have access to the internet and there’s also a world of difference between reading a notice in a newspaper and having to hunt for an announcement or advert on the web.

“If the Scottish Government are as committed to supporting the newspaper industry, as they say they are, then they must abandon these damaging plans.”