The founder and chief executive of a global advertising company has given his support to the Scottish newsbrands industry.
In a video produced for SNS, Sir Martin Sorrell, who started advertising giant WPP voices his support for the Scottish news industry.
The video aired at last night’s Scottish Press Awards at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Glasgow and focuses on recent information from audience analysis and an economic impact study carried out for SNS.
In the video Mr Sorrell said: “Advertisers in Scotland should benefit from healthy Scottish news brands just as Scotland as a whole benefits from them.
“Newspapers are an essential component of Scottish public life, with a value that goes far beyond the commercial.”
The video was presented by Scottish TV presenter Angus Purden and also featured contributions from Aberdeen Asset Management’s chief executive, Martin Gilbert, and the Scottish Government’s chief marketing officer Clare Smith.
Mr Gilbert also praised Scottish news outlets.
He said: “Scottish newsbrands play an important role in ensuring that the highest levels of journalistic integrity are upheld.”
SNS director, John McLellan believes it is important that misconceptions about the news industry are challenged.
He said: “We are extremely grateful to Sir Martin, Clare and Martin for supporting this project and for their vote of confidence in the Scottish industry.
“More than ever it is vital that misconceptions about the news industry are challenged and their important contributions will help us do just that.”
