Fife MP calls on public to support local journalism

Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath MP, Neale Hanvey is encouraging people to pick up a copy of their local newspaper.

Like many local businesses, newspapers are facing an uncertain future, with the coronavirus pandemic leading to a big fall in advertising revenue.

Local newspapers are an invaluable source of trusted information about coronavirus. They have also been key in connecting people with local services and with the wider community during these challenging times.

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

Mr Hanvey’s call comes on the back of an Ofcom report from earlier this month that found that almost half of UK online adults came across false or misleading information about coronavirus in the last week.

Many people (40 per cent) are finding it hard to know what is true or false about the virus.

Commenting, Neale 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.

“Our local newspapers need our support more than ever, so please, if you can, do your bit and pick up a copy.”

Story covered in The Courier, see here.