Newsbrands Scotland May update
News about Scottish news publishing
Scottish news publishers gather in London for Newsbrands reception
Scottish editors, senior management and political reporters gathered in Westminster this Wednesday (May 8) for the annual Newsbrands Scotland parliamentary reception, attended by MPs from all parties.
Hosted by Edinburgh South Labour MP Ian Murray (below) and supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland, the reception in the House of Commons Churchill Room was also attended by Scotland Secretary Alister Jack and addressed by shadow culture and media secretary Thangam Debbonaire.
Both Ms Debbonaire and Mr Murray spoke of the importance of a strong independent press for democratic accountability, and for tackling misinformation.
Newsbrands Scotland president and Newsquest Scotland managing director David Ward (below) urged politicians to ensure the smooth passage of both the Media Bill, which started its Lords committee passage the same day, and Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill into law.
Editors’ committee chair and Scotsman editor Neil McIntosh also asked MPs to press upon their Holyrood colleagues of the importance of not drawing newsbrands in to any restrictions on alcohol marketing, and of the dangers that criminalising the identification of people under 18 in court cases or live crime reports would pose.
The event was also attended by representatives of the major UK agencies working with Scottish news publishers, including the Independent Press Standards Organisation, The National Council for the Training of Journalists, the Advertising Standards Authority, the advertising Association and MediaForce.
Newsbrands Scotland director John McLellan said: “The reception is a highlight of our year and is an ideal opportunity for news publishers to share insights with politicians and agencies who all have a part to play in helping to sustain a healthy independent news publishing sector.
“We are extremely grateful to RBS for their continued support of this event, and it is valuable for us to get their insight into the commercial view of the news publishing business.
“And we are also very grateful to Ian Murray MP, not only for hosting the evening, but for inviting Thangham Debbonaire MP to address us.”
