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Advert Media Scottish Government

Scottish Government scraps public notice advertising plan

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By The Drum Team, Editorial

March 17, 2010 | 2 min read

Following much campaigning by the Scottish newspaper industry, with the backing of the majority of Scotland's MSP's, The Scottish Government has chosen to withdraw its plans to move public notices onto an online platform.

The plans had been for public sector notices to be advertised by a specially created online platform, thus saving the Scottlsh Government spending money on media buying within newspapers.

The Scottish Newspaper Society, led by president Michael Johnston fought against the plans, saying that it was against public interest, while many commentators also felt that it would be harmful to the Scottish newspaper industry which would be losing another revenue stream, around £6m a year in total.

The decision follows an eight-week consultation period.

Michael Johnston spoke to The Drum about his concerns ahead of a vote in January, where MSP's rejected the motion, leaving the Scottish Government with the decision as to whether to continue to push the motion.

John Swinney, finance secretary for Scotland said with the UK government imposing the first cut in Scotland's budget since devolution next year, further reductions were necessary and that Scotland's councils identified this as an area in which it could cut spending.

"The purpose of this legislation, which government began work on in 2006, was to give councils the option of using a more effective way of improving communication with the public and deliver increased value for money. As a minority government it is incumbent on us to build consensus and in this case that has not been possible. Given the strength of views expressed, we have decided not to proceed with the legislation," added Swinney.

Advert Media Scottish Government

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