Governments ‘must safeguard future of Scots newspapers - Yes or No?

[Colin Gilchrist]

Image courtesy of "Newspaper Innovation"

Brian Currie gave me permission to post a link to his article in The Scotsman today: "Governments ‘must safeguard future of Scots newspapers"
My question to you is Yes or No?

In my meagre opinion - No

I have argued on 38 Minutes previously that great creative journalism is fantastic - they need all the support that we can give them. I was not referring to a handout - I was referring to links and recognition of the copy they write (i.e. not plagiarism).

If the paper is not keeping up with the times - design, content and interactivity then does it deserve to continue? And why should a handout be requested... is it because it's a failing business and they have lost sight of a commercial opportunity and this seems like the easy option? Hell the banks got away with it, why can't we attitude?

Or should the debate be the "invaluable" service that newspapers perform - if they were truly invaluable would they be in this much trouble?

Previous related articles:
"Newspaper Circulation"
"Newspaper Survival - another direction"

Must tax payers support another failing business?

[Anne Bonnar]

Like others, I have various views on this because I suspect it needs to be unpacked as a question.
There is an important issue about us having Scottish editorialised media which I think is essential in our journey as a nation. This may need intelligent intervention and support by the State.
But that is not the same thing as having a Scottish newspaper propped up by the State.

Have commented on blog above, on how I see us personalising our 'newspaper' content.

[Colin Gilchrist]

The Financial Times Editor throws his hat in the ring: Brand Republic

[maguiretim]

Scotland has always had an unusually high number of newspapers per head of the population and while my tartan self says 'keep them', my neutral one says they'll have to learn to swim a lot harder & smarter to survive: and that doesn't mean cutting their staff and overloading the ones that remain.

[Colin Gilchrist]

Woops - sorry Brian: it's courtesy of The Herald not The Scotsman as written.

[Stuart Cosgrove]

Its a subject that has always troubled me my democratic conscience says 'yes' but like Colin I share a reluctance to see forms of media 'propped' up if they are being challenged by new innovations. What's is intersting is comparing Scotland with Wales.

In Wales this issue is very high on the devolved governmental agenda. Unlike Scotland, Wales has very few indigenous newspapers and precious little 'editionalised' titles. Therefore there is a very serious democractic deficit in Welsh civic society. Whether digital media and hyper-local media can fill the gap is a big if.

[Colin Gilchrist]

In response to my own article... I would like to add: can we as a creative mass provide an opportunity for the future of news casting?
What can we do to help?