Scotland’s newspaper industry contributes £1 billion a year to the nation’s economy, a new survey has found.
John McLellan, director of the Scottish Newspaper Society (SNS), said it shows papers are “vital cogs in the Scottish economy at all levels”.
The SNS-commissioned study, carried out by Edinburgh-based Optimal Economics, said Scotland had about 164 newspapers, employing a total of 3,100 full and part-time workers.
However, it found that “when account is taken of indirect and induced effects, the industry supports over 4,300 jobs and creates around £214 million of annual income”.
The industry’s estimated total gross turnover in 2015-16 was £268 million but its contribution to the economy was found to extend well beyond the jobs and incomes it creates.
Sales generated by advertising in the Scottish press create £300 million a year but the estimated wider impact of advertising on the Scottish economy is £775 million.
The industry is also a core element of two sectors the Scottish Government has identified as of strategic importance.
It is an important part of Scotland’s digital economy – as almost 25% or its employees are involved with digital production – and a significant part of Scotland’s creative sector.
The report states: “In addition to these impacts on jobs and income, the newspaper industry creates other important benefits for Scotland with diverse and longer term effects.
“The newspaper industry in Scotland plays an important role in the commercial life of Scotland, enabling Scottish-based firms to promote their goods and services to the Scottish market.
“It is also an important element in the development of the digital economy and is a key contributor to the creative life of Scotland, providing a platform and income to many Scottish writers and investing in the training and development of new talent.”
Mr McLellan added: “Scottish news brands do not just keep the public better informed and help readers make better choices, they are vital cogs in the Scottish economy at all levels, from local to national, helping businesses small and large to reach their markets.
“This report demonstrates just how vital Scottish news brands are to the economic well-being of the nation as a whole.”