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Scotland to set up independent public interest journalism institute


DPA PICTURE ALLIANCE / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO


THE NUJ has welcomed the Scottish government’s pledge to create an accurate, reliable news about important issues. Angus Robertson (right), the cabinet secretary for


constitution, external affairs and culture, announced the move following recommendations from an independent working group on public interest journalism, which included the NUJ. He said he would “bring together institutions and


stakeholders at a cross-industry roundtable in autumn 2022, to consider the best model for an institute”. John Toner, NUJ national organiser for Scotland, said:


“Scotland desperately needs an organisation to champion public interest news following year-on-year cuts and the loss of many titles. The minister must show his commitment to this body, which would be totally independent from the government, by looking at ways to provide funding to get it set up.”


The working group was set up to look at measures and make


recommendations to the government to support news outlets following Covid, the shift to digital publishing and the closure of many Scottish newspapers and cuts to journalist numbers. The group has called on the Scottish government to take up


issues with the UK government, such as putting pressure on Westminster to give the Digital Marketing Unit sufficient powers to regulate the tech companies, which have benefited by receiving most of the digital advertising revenue.


The NUJ’s Edinburgh freelance branch was instrumental in persuading the government to set up the working group. Branch chair Joyce McMillan, said: “As a member of the


working group on public interest journalism in Scotland, and a lifelong NUJ member and activist, I very much welcome the Scottish government’s response to our report, particularly the Scottish government’s strong support in principle for the setting up of an independent Public Interest Journalism Institute in Scotland. “Scotland has a long and proud journalistic tradition, and it will be vital, in the coming years, to have in place a cross-industry institution that can act as a focal point for discussion and action on how to ensure that tradition survives, thrives and continues to develop in the fast-changing 21st century media landscape.”


Longest serving editor dies After he retired, he was


NUJ member Ian McCormack, who was thought to be the longest-serving editor in the UK when he retired two years ago, has died aged 74. McCormack edited the


weekly West Highland Free Press, based in Broadford on the Isle of Skye.


presented with a special recognition award at the Highlands and Islands Media Awards and the lifetime achievement award at the Scottish Press Awards. The newspaper reported his death, saying: “A very sad


day for all connected with the Free Press as we bring news of the passing of Ian McCormack. “Ian, who retired in January 2020, made an immeasurable contribution to his community and to Scottish journalism as editor


of the paper for 44 of its 50 years. We will miss him.” McCormack began his


career at the Kilmarnock Standard then worked on Glasgow-based daily The Herald.


He joined the West Highland Free Press as a reporter in October 1975, and was quickly promoted.


Paramilitaries threaten journalist


THE UNION has strongly condemned threats from a loyalist paramilitary group against a Belfast-based journalist. The union is urging the Police Service of


Northern Ireland (PSNI) to conduct a thorough investigation following the threats against the NUJ member. The reporter, who works for the Sunday


World title was informed of the threat by PSNI officers. Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary, said: “This is yet another cowardly threat by


06 | theJournalist


thugs trying to silence journalists and a free media. “The union will do everything to support the journalist concerned and we call on those behind this threat to lift it immediately. “Death threats and threats of other violence


have become a regular occurrence for many journalists in Northern Ireland but there is nothing normal about this scenario. “The NUJ calls on the PSNI to vigorously pursue those behind all threats to journalists and bring them before the courts.”


“


Scotland has a long and proud journalistic tradition, and it will be vital to have a cross-industry institution to ensure that tradition survives and thrives


Joyce McMillan Chair, Edinburgh Freelance Branch


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