CULTURE Secretary Angus Robertson has given his backing to a new independent journalism body for public interest news.
It is thought establishing a Scottish Public Interest Journalism Institute will help to make the sector more sustainable amid challenges facing news organisations as a result of the pandemic.
The suggestion comes as a key recommendation of the Public Interest Journalist Working Group, established by the Scottish Government in 2021.
Robertson said: “I warmly welcome the working group’s well-researched report and their thoughtful and innovative solutions to the extremely pertinent challenges facing the sector in light of a changing media landscape.
“It is a free, independent and plural media which upholds a democratic society and this report is an excellent step in that ongoing journey.”
Its report, Scotland News: Towards A Sustainable Future for Public Interest Journalism, suggests the independent body would support the resilience of the sector through research, grant-making, training and promoting media literacy in education.
A further aim is to promote an environment where the publications, and journalists, are able to thrive and provide the public with a wide range of high-quality news sources.
Robertson added: “We want to do all we can to support the sustainability and diversity of public interest journalism in Scotland and we will be working closely with industry stakeholders to see how an institute could help ensure the sector remains resilient.
“I am confident that the working group’s report and our response will ignite a series of actions across industry to firmly secure a sustainable future for our public interest journalism sector.”
