South Scotland MSP Brian Whittle, together with his Scottish Conservative colleagues, joined forced with opposition MSPs to deliver greater support for local newspapers.
Opposition MSPs all gave their backing to an amendment to the Coronavirus No2 Bill lodged by Murdo Fraser to give local newspapers the same financial support being offered to the retail, leisure and hospitality industry.
While the Scottish Government had made some provision to support papers by buying more advertising space, many local papers have seen drops in advertising revenue of around 75 percent.
Despite opposition from the SNP, the Scottish Conservative amendment passed with support from all other political parties.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“I’m pleased that the Scottish Conservatives have led the way to deliver some much needed support to local newspapers at this challenging time. Quite rightly, local papers were recognised at a key industry during this crisis, and they deserved a package of support that would ensure they could continue to inform their communities.
Local news is a valuable commodity and it’s important the Scottish Government take the necessary steps to protect it now and in the longer term.”
