‘Support local newspapers in difficult times - treat social media with caution’

She was responding to reports that local newspapers are standing down staff in response to a big fall in advertising revenues.

“Local newspapers are at the heart of our communities and they need our support during difficult times to continue,” said Ms McLaughlin.

“We may criticise newspapers sometimes, but we need them. They are part of the structure of our societies. By contrast, social media is being used in ways that mean we should be wary. Reputable social media can be an important way of learning what is happening locally and globally. But social media channels are often manipulated by special interest groups that want to harm our society and hurt individuals.

“So I urge people to keep buying newspapers – consider subscribing to newspapers, or arranging with local shops for them to be delivered. Use social media, but do so with scepticism and check which sources can be trusted and which not.”

The Derry representative added: “We should listen to those professionals who are keen that we protect our mental health during the continuing periods of social isolation. They advise avoiding addiction to social media, by limiting the time we spend on it.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

Thank you