Support local media, urges MSP
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AN MSP has urged people to support local newspapers and radio stations, saying they have a vital role to play in the COVID-19 crisis.
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said local press had rarely been more important than it is now.
Mr Halcro Johnston said: "The COVID-19 emergency has placed a premium on accurate local information and our local news media, whether that’s print, online or radio, is proving absolutely indispensable.
"Local media will be so important in providing tailored, geographically specific news, as well as signposting readers and listeners to information, advice and supporting business to promote services they’re still able to offer."
Mr Halcro Johnston said "popping out for a paper" was not an option under the current public health rules – but urged people to keep reading them.
He said: "In the case of local newspapers, most normally rely on people popping out to buy the paper. As more and more people self-isolate, or just follow government advice to stay at home, this might become increasingly difficult.
"So I would urge local people to consider taking out a subscription so that you can have your local newspaper delivered to your door, or have access the full range of local news in an online format."
He added: "Editors, journalists and their support staff are working hard to keep local news flowing in challenging times. Let’s make sure we get behind them."
