Local news journalism plays a more vital role than ever in our democracy, says First Minister

Local journalism is absolutely important for the scrutiny of public policy at all levels in Scottish society – First Minister

By Bill Heaney

Politicians and the press have a symbiotic relationship. Mostly, they realise that without the media reporting on the affairs of parliament, local government, the courts and health boards their importance would be greatly diminished.

That is apart from the powder puff politicians on West Dunbartonshire Council who continue to ban The Dumbarton Democrat on the back of a pack of lies – or the vague possibility of a misunderstanding – about our editor having interrupted a meeting, which he didn’t.

However, their self-interest floated to the top in the Holyrood parliament when it was revealed that STV News and a host of print publications were in financial trouble and that significant job losses in the struggling industry were on the agenda.

Rona Mackay, left, who represents Strathkelvin and Bearsden for the SNP, told her fellow MSPs: “STV has this morning announced plans to cut 60 jobs, which is 10 per cent of its workforce, and regional news programming across Scotland.

She asked John Swinney: “Does the First Minister agree that local news journalism plays a more vital role than ever in our democracy? Will he outline what steps the Scottish Government is taking to protect journalism jobs?”

Mr Swinney, whose wife, Elizabeth Quigley, is a journalist told Ms MacKay: “I very much agree with the concern expressed by Rona Mackay, who brings her formidable experience as a journalist before she became a member of Parliament.

“Local journalism is absolutely important for the scrutiny of public policy at all levels in Scottish society. I was concerned to hear this morning’s reports about STV and the recent news about the Daily Record.

“This morning, the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Angus Robertson, right, has indicated to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee that he will engage with STV, Ofcom and the trade unions to highlight our concerns.

“We will give whatever assistance we can in that respect. It is absolutely vital to our democracy that we have sustained media engagement, and the Government will do all that it can to support those who are affected.

“This will be a very worrying time for all the affected employees. They have my understanding and my support.”

Vital to our Democracy? Not in Dumbarton it’s not by the local council.

“Mr Lumsden raises the particular issue of how different parts of the country might be affected, and I entirely agree with him on that. I will make sure that that is reflected in the representations that the cabinet secretary makes on the matter.”

Labour’s Neil Bibby, left, said: “This morning’s news from STV will have a significant impact on Scottish media workers, the economy, our democracy and the viewing public across Scotland. It will have a particularly serious impact on the one in 10 STV staff who face redundancy.

“The proposal in relation to the Aberdeen news programme requires specific approval from Ofcom. Will the Scottish Government make specific representations to Ofcom on the future of the Aberdeen news programme?”

Mr Swinney replied: “I assure Mr Bibby that we will, but we will also make representations on a range of other issues.

“Mr Lumsden and Mr Bibby have both made an important point about the need to reflect the different issues that affect different parts of the country. Those matters must be considered by Ofcom, and they will feature in the representations that Mr Robertson makes.”