Fife politicians urge support for local newspapers

Supporting your local newspaper has never been more important.

That’s the message from two leading politicians in Fife as the coronavirus crisis impacts on all sectors of business.

Willie Rennie MSP, leader of the Scottish Lib Dems, and Neale Hanvey, SNP MP for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath, have both issued calls to Fifers to support their local newspapers.

The region has a number of titles, each covering specific geographic patches.

Over the past two weeks, the Press has been speaking to politicians across Fife and asking them to raise our concerns, and our industry’s call for help.

Journalists have been classed as key workers, and are working hard to ensure local communities are kept informed about the impact of the coronavirus crisis - and the incredible efforts of local groups and individuals to provide lifeline support.

Mr Hanvey urged Fifers to pick up a newspaper as part of their regular shopping trips.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/were-halfway-there-money-pours-maggies-fife-ps10000-appeal-2545996

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/fife-artist-inspired-captain-tom-moore-2546138

His call came on the back of a report from Ofcom which found that almost half of UK online adults came across false or misleading information about coronavirus in the last week.

And many - 40 per cent - found it hard to know what is true or false about the virus.

He said: “In central Fife, we are very lucky to have such fantastic local newspapers. Their reporting of the coronavirus has been first-rate.

“This is vital when so much of the information on social media is misleading or simply false.

“I’m a huge supporter of local newspapers in general. They really are the bedrock of our community.

“That’s why I’m calling on everyone to pick up a copy of a local newspaper when they are out buying essential items.

Willie Rennie MSP, and leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie has also called on the Scottish Government to support local newspapers by launching a significant new coronavirus public information campaign and extending the 100 per cent business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses to local media.

He said: “Local papers, such as the Fife Free Press, are among the most trusted sources of news for so many people across Scotland.

“There is a massive opportunity for the Scottish Government to reach hundreds of thousands of people and provide them vital information about how to protect their health and the services they rely on.

“Not only that but by highlighting creativity and kindness in our communities, these local papers can help to keep spirits up at this difficult time.

“The Scottish Government needs to show that it values a vibrant local media. One simple thing that it could do is extend the 100 per cent business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses to local media.”

While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you - wherever possible and providing it is safe for you to do so - to also please purchase a copy of our newspapers; the Fife Free Press, Fife Herald, St Andrews Citizen, East Fife Mail and Glenrothes Gazette.

Inevitably falling advertising revenues will start to have an impact on local newspapers and the way we continue to work during this period of uncertainty.

The support of our readers has never been more important as we try to make sure that we keep you connected with your community during this time. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. We need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

Our team of trusted reporters are working incredibly hard behind the scenes - from kitchen tables and spare bedrooms - to look at how we can do this, and your continued support of our newspapers across Fife will help to protect their viability in the days and weeks ahead.

For more details on our subscription offers please visit email [email protected] or call us on 0330 4033004

Thank you

Allan Crow, Editor, Fife Free Press