The decision to end STV’s dedicated northern news programme has been approved by Ofcom, bringing months of uncertainty to a close and paving the way for major changes to regional broadcasting across the north of Scotland.

The Westminster broadcasting regulator has given STV permission to replace its long standing regional news programme for the north of Scotland with news bulletins produced from a studio in Glasgow.

The move follows plans first announced by STV in September last year which placed around 60 jobs at risk and sparked concern from journalists, politicians and viewers across the country.

Ofcom had delayed making a decision on the proposals until after the recent Scottish Parliament election, a move that was criticised at the time by the National Union of Journalists.

Supporters of the existing service argued that local news programmes play a vital role in reflecting the communities, issues and stories that matter most to viewers in different parts of Scotland.

The changes mean audiences in Aberdeen, Inverness and communities across the wider north of Scotland will no longer receive a dedicated regional evening news programme produced specifically for their area.

Reacting to the decision, SNP Aberdeen South by election candidate Richard Thomson described the announcement as a significant blow for regional broadcasting.

“Westminster has just rubber stamped an end to the STV North news bulletin.

“This is a dark day for regional broadcasting in Scotland.

“My thoughts are with the staff affected by these cuts and viewers across Aberdeen and the wider North East who have cherished the unique local news service for decades.

“Trusted local news outlets are more important than ever and the backlash to these plans showed just how much STV’s local journalism was valued by viewers across the country.

“The plans given approval by Ofcom today stipulates that the STV News at Six programme will have at least 30% regional content.

“It is essential STV guarantee this will consist of genuine local news from the North rather than padding it out with sport, weather and travel to meet an already disappointing quota for local content.

“Westminster could not care less about our regional news output and this type of decision making proves why the North East would be better served by Scotland having full control of such powers.”

The future of regional news coverage has become an increasingly important issue as broadcasters face financial pressures and changing viewing habits.

Campaigners have argued that local journalism remains essential for democratic accountability and community representation, particularly in areas that are geographically distant from central Scotland.

While STV has committed to maintaining regional content within its flagship evening programme, questions are likely to remain over how local stories from the Highlands, Aberdeen and the North East will be covered once the changes come into effect.

For many viewers, the decision marks the end of an era for a service that has provided dedicated regional news coverage for decades.