Scottish news programming on STV faces a significant disruption as journalists initiate a strike on Wednesday, protesting against plans for compulsory redundancies and the potential cancellation of a dedicated news service for northern Scotland. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has organized this day of action, which is expected to halt all Scottish news broadcasts on the channel.
The strike arises from ongoing disputes regarding STV’s proposal to eliminate jobs while altering its news service structure. The broadcaster has described the timing of the strike as “ill-timed,” asserting that discussions with unions are still in progress. While the strike affects local news programming, network shows and advertising will continue as scheduled.
Nick McGowan-Lowe, the Scottish organizer for the NUJ, emphasized that the strike represents a stand against both compulsory redundancies and management decisions that threaten public service broadcasting obligations. He stated, “Viewers, staff, business leaders, politicians, and unions all know STV’s plans are desperate, shortsighted, damaging to Scottish journalism, and in complete disregard of the viewers and communities in the north of Scotland who depend on local coverage from STV News.”
Impact on News Services and Community Coverage
STV currently operates two distinct news services: one for the central belt and another for the northern region of Scotland. The northern service is a remnant of Grampian TV, which provided local programming until its acquisition by STV’s parent company in the late 1990s. Critics argue that the proposed changes would undermine local journalism and community engagement, especially in areas like Aberdeen, Dundee, and Inverness.
According to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, consultations regarding changes to STV’s news service are ongoing, with a decision expected by February 2024. Although STV maintains that it will continue to operate news teams in key locations, the proposed format aims to consolidate news bulletins and share content across both central and northern Scotland.
While the STV News at 18:00 is one of Scotland’s most-watched programmes, the broadcaster faces challenges due to low advertising revenue around its news segments. Recent reports indicate that the company is reducing the impact of compulsory redundancies, with only three journalists currently at risk, despite the overall loss of 28 roles within the news team.
Reactions and Future Plans
The proposed changes have been met with widespread criticism from leaders of major political parties in Scotland. The Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, along with various councils, have also expressed opposition to the restructuring, highlighting concerns over the potential decline in local news coverage.
In response to the criticism, a spokesperson for STV stated, “The NUJ’s action is ill-timed as consultation with unions and colleagues is ongoing and significant progress has been made in reducing the impact on jobs.” According to the company, the majority of the impacted roles have been addressed through voluntary redundancy or redeployment.
The spokesperson further added that STV’s request to Ofcom for alterations in its news commitments is aimed at ensuring sustainable newsgathering and coverage across Scotland. They reiterated the importance of adapting to changing media consumption habits by expanding their digital news services while maintaining their public service commitments without any public funding.
As the situation develops, the future of local news coverage in Scotland hangs in the balance, with the outcome of Ofcom’s consultation likely to shape the landscape of journalism in the region for years to come.
