Scotland has long had a vibrant local press.
There are currently more than 100 Scottish newspapers. From small, rural communities covered by weekly papers, to larger towns and cities covered by their own daily, newspapers are an integral part of life for many of us and their journalists have chronicled our history over the last 200 years, publicising local events and debates, marking milestones, highlighting local achievements and challenges while keeping a watchful eye on those in positions of influence.
Independent local journalism is a cornerstone of democracy and accountability, as well as a conduit for trusted information at this time of national crisis.
Before coronavirus, back when things were ‘normal’, the newspaper industry was already struggling. Print circulation has fallen for years, as readers have turned to online versions and social media outlets to access news. While many publications have enhanced their digital offerings, online advertising revenue is being absorbed up by the likes of Google and Facebook, against which local newspapers struggle to compete. The challenges facing commercial news operations were already considerable.
However, in the last few weeks since the country went into lockdown, our newspapers have been dealt what may be a fatal blow for many, just at a time when we need them most.
While staff continue working hard to deliver local news, the lockdown has resulted in a 35% fall in sales revenue for some publications, as fewer people venture out to buy a paper. Meanwhile, online readership has increased, demonstrating there is still a demand for the information they provide. However, online editions do not bring in the same level of sales or advertising revenue.
The lockdown has resulted in a significant slump in print revenues, as businesses such as bars, beauty salons and car showrooms are unable to trade and have reduced or ceased their advertising spend accordingly. Some titles have experienced a decline of 75% or more in advertising income. Clearly, if this continues it places the future of our local newspapers in jeopardy. And if such publications cease to exist, it will mean the end of both the print and the online publication of local news upon which many people, particularly older people rely.
Free newspapers relying on print advertising have been hit particularly badly. JPI Media, which owns dozens of titles, has stopped printing all of its free newspapers, leaving leave hundreds of thousands of people without their only local print newspaper and cutting off many self-isolating older readers from a trusted source of news.
Newsquest, owner of 22 titles, including the Herald, Brighton Argus and Northern Echo and in my own constituency the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald and the Largs and Millport Weekly News, has told staff to expect severe cuts because of lost income over the last six weeks.
The UK Government has made clear it considers reporters and print newspaper distribution staff to be key workers during the crisis, due to the importance of delivering accurate information to people’s homes. Both they and the Scottish Government have placed public health information in both local and national titles as part of huge campaigns, designed in partnership with news publishers to convey a strong public safety message. This has channelled much-needed revenue funding to newspapers. Unfortunately, this will not guarantee their survival. More action is needed.
The Scottish Newspaper Society has set out a series of important asks, including a significant transfer of advertising and marketing spend from social media to news publishing. They believe explicit instructions to banks to make lending available to legitimate and trusted news operations would make a significant impact on newspaper sustainability during these difficult times.
The Scottish Newspaper Society also calls for a £25 million emergency fund for media companies to be made available, proportionally similar to the scheme launched by the Danish Government, which compensates newspapers recording year-on-year advertising revenue declines of 30 to 50% in March, April and May, up to 60% of their loss. Compensation up to 80% will be provided to those suffering 50 to 100%, applying to both print and digital newspapers.
I have pressed the UK Government to urgently consider these proposals and do everything possible to ensure the survival of publications which are so essential to the social fabric of our communities.
Local newspapers can run stories and provide detailed information at a level most broadcasters find difficult. They also have a significant role to play in helping our communities cope with the coronavirus pandemic through reporting to and serving our constituents. In extremely difficult circumstances our local press continues to reflect how readers are coping.
Maintaining community cohesion will be vital in the weeks to come. Our much loved local newspapers have a key role to play. We must act now to ensure they are still with us once we are through the crisis.