John MacKay's Signature Sign-Off
After more than thirty years as the presenter of STV's News at Six, John MacKay retired from his role in March. Throughout his extensive career covering numerous stories, he became widely recognized for his nightly sign-off, stating his name aloud.
"People don't believe me but I've been told on more than one occasion that a baby's first words have been 'I'm John MacKay' or something that effect," he shared during an interview on BBC Scotland's Scotcast.
"I didn't walk about every day saying, 'I'm John MacKay'," he added.
MacKay explained the origin of this practice, noting that it began during rehearsals for a new set and title sequence when there was no caption displaying his name. The production team requested that he say his name aloud to identify himself.
Adjusting to Life After STV
Reflecting on his life post-retirement, MacKay mentioned that he continues to watch the news and has become aware of how accustomed he was to working within strict deadlines.
"I'm really trying to train myself out of deadlines," MacKay said.
However, he is currently working on another book, indicating that some deadlines remain part of his routine.
For many viewers, MacKay was the familiar face reporting on some of the most significant news events in recent history. He described his role as both a custodian of history and a guide for a country that has transformed "beyond all recognition" since he began his career.
Memorable Stories Covered
When asked about the stories that have stayed with him, MacKay identified the Dunblane massacre as the most impactful. On 13 March 1996, gunman Thomas Hamilton killed 16 pupils and one teacher at Dunblane Primary School.
"Number one will always be Dunblane, because it was Scotland and it was young children," MacKay recalled.
"And the first day of the subsequent inquiry is, still, the most significant reporting day I've ever had."
He also highlighted the night of the Scottish Independence Referendum as a defining moment.
"We really didn't know which way it was going to go.
"We took over the at Ten that night and I remember standing with Edinburgh castle behind me and saying 'two capitals await' and you're thinking 'wow'.
"That really was hairs of the back of the neck stuff."
Notable Interviewees
Among the many interviewees MacKay encountered, one stands out: Donald J. Trump. Trump was the first guest on STV's current affairs programme, Scotland Tonight, which MacKay also hosted.
"He'd got his golf course up in Aberdeenshire and he was fighting against the windfarms," MacKay recalled.
"He was very Donald Trump, he knows TV.
"He knows how to present himself.
"He promised me a beer - which is surprising given he doesn't drink - but it never happened."
Views on the STV News Strike
MacKay expressed his opinion regarding the ongoing strike among STV news staff.
"Management should sort this out because it doesn't reflect well on STV," he said.
The strike is in response to a pay freeze and proposed cuts to news programming, which STV states are necessary to address market challenges and restore financial stability. The strike is planned to coincide with the Scottish Election results day.
"You're a Scottish programme - you absolutely should be doing the Scottish Election and that should not be allowed to happen," MacKay commented on his former employer.
"STV is a commercial organisation. It's having difficulties which, in a global market, is almost inevitable.
"But against that STV has launched STV Radio and with a lot of hoopla around it.
"That's their decision to make, but it was handled really crassly.
"For all your commercial arguments, if you put money into STV Radio you can surely find something for STV journalists."
STV staff previously took strike action in January over compulsory redundancies and programme cuts
An STV spokesperson previously stated: "We are disappointed that the planned day of action will impact our audiences and we remain committed to continuing the dialogue with the joint unions."
Currently, STV operates two separate news services—one for the central belt and another for the north—and proposes to merge them. These proposals were met with criticism from politicians and business groups in northern Scotland when announced in September. STV has assured that journalists will remain based in Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness.
The TV regulator Ofcom is expected to decide in May whether to approve these changes.
Reflections on Ageing and New Beginnings
As MacKay embarks on a new phase of life, he reflected on his time on camera and the process of ageing.
"Getting a hair transplant? I never even considered it," he admitted.
"That's amazing. I mean genuinely amazing.
"I was watching a documentary on the Artemis Mission and I get sent a video on my grandson rolling, just rolling, and the effort he put into it.
"He was so pleased himself. And I genuinely thought from that wee roll to flying round the moon, that's what humans can do."
For this seasoned newsman, a new world now awaits.
