LOCAL NEWSPAPERS REQUIRE COMMITMENT FROM SCOTTISH MINISTERS

3.30.00pm GMT Thu 14th Jan 2010

Jim Hume MSP, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today said 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.

Responding to the announcement, Jim Hume said:

"In the past the Scottish Government has pledged support to local newspapers. This announcement is a very worrying about turn by Ministers which will see a chunk of income withdrawn from local newspapers in Dumfries and Galloway.

"Local papers are at the heart of Dumfries and Galloway communities and are vital for communicating with the public, especially given the rural nature of the region.

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

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