MSP Maurice supports proposal to help coronavirus-hit newspapers
An MSP is backing plans to support the local newspaper industry through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Conservative MSP Maurice Golden supported an amendment put forward by his colleague Murdo Fraser during emergency coronavirus legislation which was debated in the Scottish Parliament yesterday.
Mr Golden says that local newspapers across his West of Scotland region are a vital industry and trusted within their communities but require further support from the SNP Government.
He pointed out that newspapers have lost 75 per cent of advertising revenue and 25 per cent of circulation cash, meaning current support needs to be substantially increased.
Mr Golden said: “Local newspapers are absolutely at the heart of their communities in the West of Scotland but they have been severely hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“That is why I will be backing this amendment and I hope it can be supported by MSP’s from across the chamber, including the SNP Government.
“The local newspaper industry has been recognised as a key industry but they urgently need further support.
“It would be fairly straightforward for the SNP Government to include them alongside support they have given to other key industries such as leisure, retail and hospitality.
“I sincerely hope that the amendment will pass to let local newspapers know that they are being supported by politicians at this unprecedented time.”
If passed, local newspaper offices would be included as exempt from paying nondomestic rates.