Save our local newspapers
Petition
Sign Our Petition to help Save Our Local Papers >>>
Local MSP concerned for Local Newspapers
David Stewart, Highlands and Islands regional Labour MSP, has spoken of his concern for the local newspaper industry following the announcement by the Scottish Government that they intend to consult on plans to allow local authorities to advertise public notices on line.”
Mr Stewart said, “I am deeply concerned about this announcement and the impact it could have on our local newspaper industry and publications such as the Inverness Courier.
"The SNP Government is conducting a cost cutting exercise but I doubt that they have considered the serious consequences of this action.
"This policy could have a disastrous impact on our local newspapers, taking vital revenue away from an industry already facing significant challenges.
"It must be remembered that not everyone has access to the internet and the public notices section of our local papers are widely read and an important source of information within our communities.”
"The Scottish Government must rethink these proposals to avoid irreversibly damaging local papers, who are also important employers in towns across the Highlands and Islands and Scotland as a whole, and a vital part of the media spectrum.
"If the SNP is as committed to supporting the newspaper industry as they say then they mustn't go through with these damaging plans.
"I also intend to launch a web site and campaign to allow the readers of newspapers such as the Inverness Courier to register their objection to the Scottish Government plans.
"Alternatively readers can write to me at : David Stewart MSP, P.O. Box 5717, Inverness IV1 1YT "
Download the Public Information Notices Consultation feedback form to comment on the proposals
Scottish Government consultation on Public Information Notices
Petition
Sign Our Petition to help Save Our Local Papers >>>
Articles
Proposal made to take public notices away from local newspapers
MSPs hit out at plans to axe public notices
Threat to newspaper revenues as public notices go online
Politicians unite against bid to scrap adverts
Threat to newspapers in Scottish plan to let council adverts switch from press to online
Scottish Parliament
Committee - The Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee's investigation into the Current state of the Scottish local/ weekly newspaper industry >>>
Petition
Sign Our Petition to help Save Our Local Papers >>>
If you want to receive updates of the campaign, e-mail us at saveourlocalpapers@hotmail.com
Links
Inverness Courier Strathspey & Badenoch Herald Forres Gazette Northern Scot
Dunoon Observer Oban Times West Highland Free Press Northern Times John O'Groat Journal Orkney Today Highland News/ North Star/ Lochaber News Ross-shire JournalPetition
Sign Our Petition to help Save Our Local Papers >>>