Government urged to provide more support for newspapers
The Scottish Government is facing growing pressure to support local newspapers amid a downturn in advertising revenue and circulation caused by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
A 100 per cent rates holiday should be introduced for the industry, according to Tory finance spokesman Donald Cameron who also says the Scottish Government should direct more advertising in the direction of newspapers.
He also suggested investing in a similar scheme to the Danish government, which has introduced a fund for media organisations during the crisis.
A similar initiative by the Scottish Government could be replicated for around £25 million.
Mr Cameron said: “We are seeing throughout the coronavirus crisis just how vital newspapers and broadcast media are.
“They play a crucial role in holding both the Scottish and UK governments to account, and in carrying vitally important public health messages.
“But these are also publications who, in some cases, are a month away from collapse.
“We simply cannot allow this industry to disappear, and the Scottish Government needs to step in and ensure these publications are supported.
“It should be providing support in the form of a rates holiday, and channelling more of its considerable advertising budget in the direction of the local press.
“It would be extremely regrettable if newspapers, having played such a critical role during this health and economic emergency, were allowed to collapse immediately afterwards.
“We know papers have been struggling for years, but this could be a chance to finally boost their resources and ensure they can continue operating for generations to come.”
Mr Cameron also highlighted the potential of introducing a trusted media loan scheme which established titles could sign up to.
In Scotland, news publishing supports 4,000 full time jobs. News publishing across the country has been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis.
Several towns have lost local newspapers temporarily and potentially forever due to the coronavirus crisis.
Major newspaper publishers including JPI Media – owners of The Scotsman and the Edinburgh Evening News – Newsquest, Reach and Archant have ceased printing some of their titles, furloughed staff and introduced compulsory pay cuts for journalists.