First Minister John Swinney has written to Ofcom after the broadcasting regulator approved STV’s plans to change its regional programming commitments, including changes affecting news coverage in the north and north east of Scotland.
The decision has reignited concerns about the future of regional broadcasting, local journalism and public service news provision across Scotland.
STV’s proposals will see major changes to regional news output, prompting criticism from politicians, journalists and viewers who argue that trusted local news remains an essential part of community life and democratic accountability.
The First Minister said the decision risks weakening local representation and reducing access to locally relevant news at a time when trusted journalism is more important than ever.
John Swinney said:
“I am extremely disappointed at the decision by Ofcom to accept STV’s proposals today.
“It is clear that these changes are a serious weakening of public service broadcasting output in Scotland, and risk long-term harm to our media.
“Audiences have a right to reliable, locally-relevant news as a core part of our democracy, indeed in an era of misinformation, this is more important than ever.
“It is clear to me that the proposals agreed to significantly weaken regional news provision in the north and north east of Scotland and erode local representation.
“This is in the face of Ofcom’s own evidence showing that trusted news, delivered by our Public Service Broadcasters, remains crucial, and is highly valued by Scottish audiences.
“I strongly believe that these changes are contrary to the vital aim of serving audiences with high-quality news, and safeguarding equitable access to news, as well as jobs in broadcasting, across Scotland.
“I am deeply concerned that this could set a damaging precedent.
“In light of this decision, I urge all parties to consider how the Public Service Broadcasters and Ofcom as their regulator can support media plurality, local democracy, and the health of Scotland’s broadcasting and journalism ecosystem.”
The approval comes despite significant opposition to the proposals and follows wider debate about the future of regional broadcasting in Scotland.
The changes are expected to have a particular impact on viewers in the north and north east, where dedicated regional news programmes have long been regarded as an important source of local information and representation.
The issue is likely to remain under close scrutiny as broadcasters, regulators and politicians continue to debate the future of public service broadcasting in Scotland.
