ANGUS Robertson has said he is “deeply concerned” over the proposal to cut 60 jobs at STV, adding it would be a “worrying step backwards” for journalism in Scotland.
On Thursday, the broadcaster STV announced the proposed job cuts along with the axing of its north of Scotland television news programme, subject to Ofcom approval.
It comes after the company revealed that it lost £200,000 before tax in the first six months of 2025, with advertising revenue falling from £50m to £45m compared to the same period last year. STV bosses say they are seeking to save £3m in total, including £2.5m by next year.
Following the announcement, Culture Secretary Robertson has written to STV’s chief executive Rufus Radcliffe expressing his concerns over the company’s cost-saving plans and the impact these would have on its Aberdeen newsroom.
Robertson said that although he understands the challenging financial circumstances STV is facing, he is “deeply concerned” that the proposed plans would see a significant reduction in news programming and public service broadcasting in Scotland.
“The sustainability of quality news from reliable sources is crucial in the fight against false or misleading information,” he said.
“It is alarming to see decisions to reduce services and resources of news provision across the country, particularly given STV’s public service commitments to invest in news and help tackle misinformation.”
STV currently provides two distinct news services, one for the central belt, which is programmed by its Glasgow newsroom, and the other for the north, based in Aberdeen.
Under the proposal, STV would only offer one programme from its Glasgow base, which would cover stories from across Scotland.
“It is also a worrying step backwards when we are seeing these trends throughout the sector in response to advertising downturns and financial challenges.
“While the STV’s internal organisation is a matter for the STV and its Board, the Scottish Government is concerned by proposals that put sustainable Scottish jobs and the outputs of STV services at risk.
“I will continue to champion stronger journalism and a Scottish broadcasting sector and urge STV against any decisions that would result in further reduction in news reporting in Scotland, redundancies of Scottish-based staff and erosion of trust in STV’s operations and output in Scotland.”
The cancellation of STV’s Aberdeen service will require permission from the regulator Ofcom.
An Ofcom spokesperson confirmed a request from STV “relating to its news programming” had been received and that “all such requests” would be looked at carefully.
In a statement on Thursday, Radcliffe said that the way audiences consume news content has been “changing rapidly” and that the company’s output needs to respond to the increase in people viewing news digitally.
“The decisions we are making aim to protect our news service, which we are incredibly proud of, to ensure it is in the best possible shape for the future and changing consumption habits,” he said.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said it would oppose the “devastating” cuts and that none of STV’s journalists can be blamed for the decline in people watching their broadcast productions.
NUJ organiser for Scotland Nick McGowan-Lowe said: “While there is no doubt that STV faces financial pressures and a decline of studio productions, none of that can be blamed on the hard-working journalists.
“These proposed cuts threaten the high quality of local and national journalism produced by STV News staff across Scotland.”
STV has been approached for comment.
