Blueprint to safeguard Scotland’s newspaper industry is unveiled

A recovery plan for Scotland’s newspapers has been unveiled after circulation levels took a hit during the coronavirus pandemic.

The blueprint set out by the Scottish Conservatives will see the creation of a new journalism foundation, as well as fresh funding streams through schemes like more Government advertising.

Scottish Conservative economy spokesman Maurice Golden said newspapers were “crucial for a well-functioning democracy” as he set out the plans.

The plan itself has been drafted in collaboration with the National Union of Journalists.

“The lockdown has had an extreme impact on local and national media circulations,” Mr Golden said.

“Our plan supports local and national papers; from the ground up, through advertising and with support for journalists.

“A functioning media is absolutely crucial for a well-functioning democracy. There is simply no option, the SNP government must support newspapers and ensure their long term survival.”

Tory constitution spokesman Murdo Fraser last month secured the same financial support, through rates relief, for local newspapers as the retail, leisure and hospitality industries.

The plan will establish a Journalism Foundation to invest in local journalism and areas of quality and investigative journalism.

It will also confer “asset of community value” status on local newspapers, ensuring that titles facing an uncertain future could be preserved for potential community ownership.

Rates relief and other support is included for journalistic co-operatives and local social enterprises taking over titles to run as “not for profit.”