Inclusivity

Local newspapers serve the communities in which they're based, regardless of internet take-up or local broadband availability. In Argyll & Bute, for instance, NRS data show that during the year to 30 September 2008, just 36.7% of the population had accessed the internet, while JICREG data for October 2008 show that 91.8% had read a Scottish title.

Across Scotland, the overall internet access penetration for the same period was 55.8% (UK - 68.7%) and the local newspaper readership penetration was 85.6%.

For a government wishing to communicate with all socio-economic groups, local newspapers deliver the most inclusivity.