MSP Maurice calls on support for newspapers in wake of pandemic
MSP Maurice Golden is backing calls to give support to the media industry to ensure it continues to survive during and after the Covid-19 outbreak.
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP says papers like the Paisley Daily Express are an absolute cornerstone of providing vital and trusted community news and it is critical they are supported at this time.
Mr Golden’s colleague, Donald Cameron, shadow Finance Secretary, has called on SNP Finance Secretary Kate Forbes to work closely with the UK Government in order to provide support for struggling newspapers.
Mr Golden says policies, such as directing more advertising from the Scottish Government towards local press and giving them a 100 per cent rates holiday, would assist the papers to get through the crisis.
He also says the Scottish Government should look at replicating a scheme that the Danish Government has rolled out, providing a fund to the media, which could be set up for £25million.
Mr Golden said:“The Covid-19 outbreak has shown how vital it is for decisions to be scrutinised and our media and newspaper industry are at the heart of that.
“It is publications like the Paisley Daily Express, which are at the heart of their communities, providing a vital and trusted source of local news, and right now it is critical we support them.
“That is why I hope the Scottish and UK governments can work closely together in order to provide funding and support for them, including directing more advertising and giving them a complete rates holiday.
“I would also encourage anyone who can buy a local paper to do so right now in order to protect local jobs and revenue, and help the Paisley Daily Express emerge stronger from this crisis.”