Strike Action to Impact STV’s Scotland Election Coverage
Coverage of election counts by STV, the commercial broadcaster, is anticipated to be significantly affected by strike action amid an escalating dispute over pay.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the technical union Bectu have targeted STV’s election reporting for their second strike this year in protest against the company’s decision to impose a company-wide pay freeze following a substantial decline in revenues.
Approximately 120 journalists and broadcast staff are expected to participate in strike action on Friday.
Staff Concerns Over Cuts and Investment Priorities
Employees have expressed strong dissatisfaction with STV’s reduction in personnel numbers and plans to significantly reduce its news coverage from northern Scotland – the region formerly served by Grampian TV – as part of cost-cutting measures. This comes while the company is investing funds in launching a new radio station.
The media regulator Ofgem postponed its decision on the merger of STV Central with STV North until after the Holyrood election but is expected to approve the merger later this month, subject to minor amendments.
Financial Challenges and Revenue Decline
STV’s revenues fell by 6% last year to £176.9 million, with advertising revenue declining by 10% to £89.3 million. The company attributed these decreases to a series of "shocks" during the year, including a weak economy, rising costs, and a challenging advertising market.
This financial downturn contributed to a sharp fall in STV’s share price, raising concerns about potential vulnerability to a takeover by Comcast, the US media company that owns Sky, or by ITV. Previously, STV had resisted pressure to sell to a larger broadcaster.
Union Response and Staff Statements
"Every NUJ member in the STV newsroom would much rather be broadcasting from election counts today rather than having to fight to be paid a fair wage, but they have been left with no choice when the company has decided to spend that money on a new commercial radio station instead."
"While the company faces financial challenges, none of that is down to the hard-working staff at STV News who produce the most watched evening programme in Scotland. We believe that a solution to this dispute is still in reach."
These remarks were made by Nick McGowan-Lowe, the NUJ’s Scotland organiser.
Management’s Position on Pay Freeze and Financial Strategy
In a letter to staff on Thursday morning, Rufus Radcliffe, STV’s chief executive, explained that the salary freeze was not a decision taken lightly. The company has also reorganised its bank loans, suspended dividend payments to shareholders, and restructured pension deficit payments.
"We are now prioritising job security and delivering financial sustainability."
"We decided that to make a salary award in 2026 would be fiscally irresponsible and potentially give rise to the need to identify further costs savings later this year, a situation I am firmly committed to seeking to avoid as we stabilise the business and return to growth."
Radcliffe further stated that diversifying through the new radio station and digital investments aims to reduce reliance on a "linear" television station facing intense competition from social media and new media platforms.
"In the face of such rapid change, there are choices we have to make."
STV’s Response to Strike Action
An STV spokesperson commented:
"We are disappointed that the unions’ chosen day of action will impact our on-air audiences and we remain committed to continuing the dialogue with the joint unions."
