IMPORTANCE OF A FREE PRESS

This is an amendment to an existing motion

This motion was originally tabled by Christine Jardine on 06 November 2017. This is amendment number 1.

Suggested amendment

leave out 'welcomes' to end, insert, 'further notes that in July 2017 Johnston Press threatened to close 24 local newspapers across Scotland; notes at the same time there were around 12 vacancies in the three Scotsman titles creating a lot of stress and demands on journalists to work extra hours; notes that following the National Union of Journalists intervention and negotiation there were no closures; and one company stated filling vacancies; and notes current dissatisfaction within the Johnston Press Board, and real concerns in the direction of the company, affecting the quality of the titles.'.

Original motion text

That this House believes a free and independent press is vital to healthy political and public life; notes the contribution of Scottish newspapers to political and public life; welcomes the focus of papers, such as the Scotsman, on news from a Scottish perspective; and condemns the acquisition of publishers and the publicity surrounding it to undermine good journalism and promote personal agendas.

The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.

EDM (Early Day Motion) 504A1: tabled on 14 November 2017

This is an amendment to an existing motion

Suggested amendment

Original motion text

Signatures (16)