East Lothian Courier and COVID-19

That the Parliament acknowledges and supports the vitally important role of local newspapers in helping communities cope during the COVID-19 pandemic; recognises the crucial work undertaken by the East Lothian Courier in very difficult circumstances over recent weeks to promote public health information and official COVID-19 guidance, highlight the activities of local resilience and community groups in support of vulnerable residents and continue covering a range of other local news stories; commends the Courier's staff and contributors for their dedication to continue reporting, printing and distributing the paper despite the severe difficulties faced during the pandemic, including the furloughing of some staff, a fall in print sales revenue due to the lockdown and a significant reduction in advertising revenues, and urges the Scottish Government to do everything possible to support local newspapers such as the East Lothian Courier during and after this crisis.