A CAMPAIGN highlighting the value of local newspapers is being backed by Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell.
The former Scottish Secretary points out the coronavirus pandemic has demonstrated the community-focused print media's importance as a reliable source of fact-checked balanced news and information.
He is one of 40 MPs who have written to Health Secretary Matt Hancock and Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Minister Oliver Dowden urging them to provide further support to local media outlets through an increased share of public health communications spending.
The letter was signed by a cross-party group including former Cabinet and shadow Ministers and highlighted the importance of the local press in providing trustworthy information and championing a good community spirit.
Mr Mundell said: "A good local newspaper is a vital component for successful communities. Unfortunately, essential revenues such as advertising have declined sharply across the industry during the coronavirus lockdown.
"This crisis comes on top of ongoing challenges facing traditional newspapers from social media and internet advertising and it is important we support efforts to safeguard this key source of good local journalism."