Scottish Government reportedly asked to back free newspaper scheme for teenagers

THE Scottish Government is reported to have been asked by newspaper distribution company, Menzies,to back a scheme that would see every 17 year-old receive a newspaper, free for a year.

Says Press Gazette, Menzies has apparently approached Scottish Government enterprise minister, Jim Mather. with the proposal, which is similar to one introduced in France at the beginning of the year.

Quoted is a Scottish Government spokesperson saying the government was examining a number of ideas to “breathe fresh life” into the newspaper industry.

In February, Mather held a summit where management, journalists, unions and distributors discussed the future.