Ofcom Approves STV's Plan to Cut North Scotland News
The TV regulator Ofcom has approved STV's controversial proposal to discontinue its dedicated north of Scotland news programme.
This decision comes as part of STV's initiative to save £2.5 million by the following year.
Ofcom's approval follows an extensive consultation process and opposition from the Scottish government, several senior politicians, and the National Union of Journalists (NUJ).
STV stated that the approval enables them to continue providing viewers with "high quality" national and regional news in a sustainable manner.
The broadcaster's plan involves ending the entirely separate news service for the north of Scotland, a legacy of the former Grampian Television.
All news programmes will be presented from Glasgow, with viewers in both central and northern Scotland generally seeing the same stories.
However, at least one-third of the main 18:00 programme will differ between the two regions.
STV confirmed it will maintain journalists in Aberdeen, Dundee, and Inverness and argued that the plan will preserve the "distinct regional character" of the north and central belt while expanding its digital news service.
The changes will also result in the discontinuation of short segments within the 18:00 programme that focus exclusively on local stories from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee.
Ofcom has stated it will monitor STV's compliance with the new licence conditions and hold the company accountable.
Initially, it was anticipated that the plans would lead to up to 60 job losses; however, revised plans indicate only a small number of staff remain at risk of compulsory redundancy.
Many affected employees have been redeployed or have accepted voluntary redundancy.
STV highlighted the ongoing decline in TV viewing figures and advertising revenue as factors influencing the decision.
Staff and unions have organized several strikes opposing the proposed changes.
'Shift in Audience Behaviour'
STV's Chief Executive Officer Rufus Radcliffe emphasized the need to respond to changing audience habits.
"As a commercial public service broadcaster, that receives no public funding, we are focused on the future and what we do best - trusted news and high-quality content that continues to resonate with audiences across all of Scotland."
Last year, the SNP, Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Labour, Scottish Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish Greens collectively signed a letter to Ofcom condemning the proposal.
Nick McGowan-Lowe, the NUJ's organiser for Scotland, described Ofcom's decision as "sadly predictable."
"This decision is bad for viewers, bad for business and bad for local democracy - all of which rely on quality local journalism."
The NUJ argued that the changes are primarily driven by STV's financial situation. The company's share price declined sharply following a profit warning last year and has not recovered.
The union also questioned STV's decision to invest in launching a radio station while implementing cuts to its core business.
