10.12.2009
The decline of the Scottish local newspaper industry will be put under the spotlight by the Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture Committee with a call for evidence launched today.
In light of declining local and weekly newspaper circulation in Scotland, the committee believes it is time to look at the reasons behind this decline and the impact on local journalism, the local and weekly newspaper industry, as well as local communities.
The committee will also look at the opportunities arising from the UK Government’s Digital Britain report and the future of local news gathering and reporting.
The evidence will inform the committee ahead of it taking oral evidence from representatives and commentators on the industry in January 2010.
Committee Convener Karen Whitefield MSP said: “The Committee believe that the threats to the local and weekly newspaper industry in Scotland should be highlighted.
"That is why our evidence sessions in January will look at issues such as the consequence of the economic recession and the impact of digital media as an alternative news source and advertising medium. Equally important are the implications in reporting on local issues and for local and regional culture.”
Background
The Committee will take oral evidence from representatives of newspaper publishers and journalism at its meeting on 13 January 2010 and from other commentators on 20 January 2010