Ofcom has been sent a joint letter, backed by John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Russell Findlay, Alex Cole-Hamilton and Ross Greer, which sets out united opposition to STV’s planned changes of replacing the long-standing regional bulletin with a single, pan-Scotland news programme.
Last month, bosses at STV revealed their plans for a restructure of the broadcaster’s output, which will lead to the loss of 60 jobs as well as the axing of its north of Scotland television news programme, subject to Ofcom approval.
However, the decision has been met with widespread criticism from both staff at the organisation, the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and politicians.
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The letter, organised by Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, describes the move as being “of grave concern to businesses, communities and elected representatives across the region”.
The letter also warned that the decision “risks depriving a major economic and cultural area of Scotland of the representation it requires and deserves.”
It goes on to highlight the north’s “pivotal role in the nation’s success”, pointing to its world-leading industries in energy, food and drink, tourism and technology, and stressing that “it is therefore essential that the issues, achievements and challenges of this region continue to receive proportionate airtime and coverage.”
Commenting on the letter, chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Russell Borthwick, condemned STV’s proposals, stating that it would “materially disadvantage” audiences in the north of the country.
He said: “This is an unprecedented, cross-party intervention which demonstrates the strength of feeling about this issue.
“The north of Scotland plays a pivotal role in the nation’s economic and cultural life, and it is essential that its stories continue to be told on a dedicated platform.
“STV’s proposal is inconsistent with the principles of public service broadcasting and would materially disadvantage audiences in the north.”
Borthwick added: “Trusted regional journalism has never been more important, and we’re urging Ofcom to use its regulatory powers to review – and ultimately block – these changes.”
The letter also warns that the planned reduction in output would “weaken the diversity and plurality of Scotland’s media landscape at a time when trusted local journalism has never been more important.”
It concludes: “This issue transcends party politics. It goes to the heart of fair representation for communities across Scotland.”
Announcing the proposed restructure in September, Rufus Radcliffe, STV’s chief executive, blamed the planned cuts on “changing viewer behaviour”.
(Image: STV Group)
The announcement came after the company revealed that it lost £200,000 before tax in the first six months of the year, with advertising revenue falling from £50m to £45m compared to the same period last year.
Bosses at STV are seeking £3m in total savings, including £2.5m by next year.
Nick McGowan-Lowe, national organiser for Scotland at the NUJ, described Radcliffe’s plan to cut the Aberdeen programme as an act of “cultural vandalism”.
He accused the company of financial mismanagement and of making a “rushed through, panicked” decision.
“This does not give the impression of a company who is thinking long term,” McGowan-Lowe told MSPs on Holyrood‘s culture committee earlier this week.
“They’re doing a knee-jerk reaction and what they are proposing is going to have a catastrophic effect on local democracy and the culture of the north east if it is allowed to go through.”
STV recently signed a 10-year deal for north and central Scotland TV licences, which came into force in January, but the company is now seeking to amend the deal so it can share material from both regions.
STV has been approached for comment.