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Media Regulator Approves STV's Controversial Plan for News Programme Changes
- On Monday, broadcasting regulator Ofcom approved STV's plan to replace its dedicated north of Scotland television news programme with a single Glasgow-based show, eliminating 60 jobs by summer 2026.
- STV Chief Executive Rufus Radcliffe argued the company "must respond to the significant shift in audience behaviour," citing long-term declines in television viewing and advertising revenue that threaten sustainability.
- The approved format allocates 70% shared content across Scotland and 30% regional-specific segments, yet a survey by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce of more than 3,200 people found 83% opposed the proposal.
- Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden branded the decision "disgraceful" with "devastating consequences" for the Aberdeen newsroom, while National Union of Journalists members across Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Inverness have held strikes in protest.
- Ofcom will shortly issue draft licence variations and expects to complete the process by summer 2026, vowing to monitor STV's compliance with new conditions requiring newsgathering resources remain on the ground.
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14 Articles
14 Articles
The ScotsmanReposted by 
GlasgowWorld
GlasgowWorldMedia regulator approves STV's controversial plan for news programme changes
The decision has been branded a ‘dark day’
·Scotland, United Kingdom
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Evening Standard+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
Media regulator approves STV plan for news programme changes
Ofcom approved the broadcaster’s bid to change its flagship news programme.
·London, United Kingdom
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Ofcom sets out conditions for STV cuts
Scottish broadcaster STV is given the green light to reduce regionalised output, but with conditions attached to its main evening news. An existing anomaly for satellite viewers looks set to be resolved in the process. STV North service reduced to segment in main 6pm bulletin Backlash from viewers and politicians Cuts will allow STV output to be harmonised across all platforms, including satellite STV, the holder of the Channel 3 licence in cen…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left5Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Left
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Left
56% Left
L 56%
C 44%
Factuality
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