Smith: SNP's commitment to local newspapers is dead in the water

9.57.58am GMT Fri 18th Dec 2009

The SNP Government is planning to allow public notices to be published online, denying local newspapers valuable income.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Culture spokesman Iain Smith MSP said:

“This is a worrying about-face from the SNP. In the past they have pledged their commitment to local newspapers but now they plan to cut a valuable chunk of their income.

“The public are unlikely to stumble across a relevant public notice on the internet. Local newspapers have always been a vital means of communicating with the public. They serve a unique role in communities, especially rural and remote ones.

“The Scottish Government should be committed to ensuring their continuation.”

Ends.