MSP Cathie Jamieson backs local newspapers

Feb 5 2010 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

Cathy Jamieson recently signed a motion regarding the impact on local papers of the potential loss of revenue from government advertising. She is also set to meet representatives of the newspaper industry in the Scottish Parliament this week.

Scottish Labour will use a Holyrood debate this week to demand that the SNP drop its proposals to allow local councils to put public notices online instead of in newspapers.

Labour believe at this proposal, from the SNP 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.

Cathy said: "I'm backing this campaign because local newspapers, like the Ayrshire Post are vitally important to Scotland's democratic and cultural life.

“If the SNP 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 bring the industry to its knees.

“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."