An SNP MSP has demanded STV bosses put plans to axe North of Scotland news into full reverse, warning that watered down proposals still amount to the end of regional television journalism in the north.
Jackie Dunbar, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Donside, has written directly to STV chief executive Rufus Radcliffe as Ofcom consults on revised plans following widespread opposition.
STV’s original proposal would have seen around 60 jobs cut as the broadcaster seeks £2.5m in savings by next year, prompting warnings from unions that local and national journalism would be severely damaged.
The National Union of Journalists said the cuts threatened the quality of news produced by STV staff across Scotland.
After public outcry, cross party political opposition, and unions voting for strike action, STV unveiled what critics have described as a half way house.
Under the revised plan, the North of Scotland programme would still be axed, broadcast instead from Glasgow, with around one third of content focused on regional output and 60 job losses remaining.
The move has continued to draw criticism from politicians and unions, who say it fails to protect jobs or meaningful regional coverage.
Concerns have also been raised about transparency around STV’s financial position and viewing figures.
The NUJ has accused STV managing director Bobby Hain of not being fully open with the Scottish Affairs Committee over STV North’s viewing share.
It has also emerged that STV North’s accounts showed post tax profits of £9,273,000 in 2024, filed one day after Mr Radcliffe appeared before MPs at Westminster to justify the planned cuts.
In her letter, Jackie Dunbar acknowledged that STV had recognised the strength of opposition to its plans.
“Dear Mr Radcliffe,
“Thank you for updating me that Ofcom are now consulting on your plan to axe the North of Scotland news programme.
“You are obviously aware your proposals have been hugely unpopular, given you have now brought forward a watered-down proposal that would at least see one third of the programme focussed on regional output.
“However, the reality of these half-way house proposals is that North of Scotland news will end, its replacement will be broadcast from Glasgow, and a total of 60 jobs will be lost, including around 30 newsroom posts.
“As you know, communities in the North East, politicians across the political spectrum and unions have been categorical in their condemnation of this woeful decision that will cost jobs to the detriment of coverage in such an important part of the country.
“A single city in the central belt is not Scotland and your plan fails communities, not just in Aberdeen and the North East, but across Scotland where a regional news output, local journalism and accessible studios have served each corner of the country well, and have done for decades. It is also unclear how much of the planned regional content under new proposals will be made up of local sport and weather.
“You have clearly recognised that your plans were badly misjudged, but rather than a partial U-turn, it is time to put these plans into full reverse and admit you have got this one badly, badly wrong.
“There is an opportunity for you to take stock of the outpouring of support for North of Scotland news, and commit to continuing to provide the new coverage that they are telling you they want to see. I urge you to listen to them and have the courage to change your mind.
Yours sincerely,
Jackie Dunbar, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Donside”
