LOCAL NEWSPAPERS REQUIRE COMMITMENT FROM SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

4.12.00pm GMT Tue 26th Jan 2010

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland has today warned that local newspapers could be denied a valuable chunk of income if a plan by the Scottish Government to publish public notices online goes ahead.

Jim Hume said:

"In the past the Scottish Government has pledged support to local newspapers. The recent announcement is a very worrying about turn by Ministers which will see a chunk of income withdrawn from local newspapers across the South of Scotland.

"Local papers are at the heart of every community across the region and are vital for communicating with the public, especially in many of our rural areas.

"If a notice is published online it is unlikely that people will stumble upon it, therefore defeating the purpose of a 'public notice'.

"Scottish Ministers should be committed to our local newspapers to ensure they continue their important role."