Jim urges Scottish Ministers to re-consider local newspaper advertising

Jim has urged the Scottish Government to reverse its plan to stop placing public notices in local newspapers. Speaking after Holyrood backed a motion calling for the measure to be dropped.

Jim said:

"This has been a badly thought out plan from the outset and it is clear the Scottish Government has to drop this plan as soon as possible. Their consultation on this issue ends in February but they can stop the damaging uncertainty it has caused Scotland's newspaper industry by saying they will do the right thing and change direction.

"The fact is that not everyone in Scotland has access to the internet and that is especially true among older people. There is a real difference between government advertising on campaigns and statutory public notices which the public have a right to see as part of the democratic process. That system has worked perfectly well for a long time and has helped keep government accountable and people informed. People shouldn't be left in the dark when it comes to public notices.

"It is also an important revenue source for local newspapers. It is no secret the industry has faced a number of economic challenges and it would be a travesty to see both the long tradition and present vibrancy of Scottish newspapers suffer as a result of this flawed thinking.

"I am calling on the Scottish Government to reverse their plan and I hope they do it as soon as possible for everyone's sake."

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