STV has been urged to reverse the decision to axe its north of Scotland news programme.
The move announced today will see the broadcaster cut 60 jobs as it seeks £2.5 million of savings by next year after posting financial losses.
The company currently provides two distinct news services, one for the central belt based in Glasgow and the other for the north based in Aberdeen.
But the proposal now is for one programme from Glasgow covering stories from across Scotland.
The cancellation would require permission from the regulator Ofcom, with a consultation expected to begin shortly.
The First Minister has said he is “concerned” to hear about proposed job cuts announced by STV.
It is understood STV told staff on Thursday that it is set to cut 60 jobs and remove its dedicated north of Scotland television news programme.
The broadcaster plans to replace its central belt and north of Scotland news with a single programme from Glasgow, which will include sections devoted to regional news.
The cancellation would require permission from the regulator Ofcom, and it is expected to begin a consultation shortly.
After MSPs shared their concerns over the proposals during First Minister’s Questions in Holyrood, John Swinney said he is “concerned” to hear about the cuts.
“Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson has indicated to committee this morning that he will engage with STV, Ofcom and the trade unions to highlight our concerns, and we will give whatever assistance we can in this respect,” he said.
“It is an absolutely vital part of our democracy that we have sustained media engagement and the Government will do all they can to support those affected.”
He said all employees impacted have his “understanding and support”.
SNP MPs and MSPs from Aberdeen have also written to STV chief executive Rufus Radcliffe to demand the broadcaster reverses the decision – describing it as “woeful”.
“At a time when trusted local news sources are required more than ever, this decision by STV is beyond comprehension and must be fought in the strongest terms possible,” the letter – which is co-signed by SNP Westminster leader and Aberdeen South MP Stephen Flynn, Aberdeen North MP Kirsty Blackman and SNP MSPs Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart and Jackie Dunbar – reads.
“My colleagues and I across parliaments will be using our voices to put pressure on STV to reverse this decision and fight for news output that actually reflects our communities and their lives.”
The Scottish Greens, meanwhile, also hit out at the decision.
The party’s culture spokesperson, Patrick Harvie, said: “These cuts are a serious blow to Scotland’s media landscape and will create a great deal of uncertainty and anxiety for workers and their families.
“At a time where misinformation is running rampant, it is crucial that we have good quality and objective news sources that we can rely on at both a national and regional level.”
Christina Hendry, who is aiming to lead the Alba Party's North East list, also urged STV to "rethink" the decision.
The politician – who is also the niece of the late Alex Salmond – warned that the move will diminish the voice of the north-east in the media landscape and stunt opportunities for young Scots in the region seeking to begin a career in journalism.
"STV’s plan to cut north-east news is a blow to local communities and another sign of centralisation in Scottish media. Glasgow gets the attention, while the north-east loses its voice,” she said.
"Local journalism matters, it holds decision-makers to account and keeps people informed about the issues that affect their lives.”
NUJ organiser for Scotland Nick McGowan-Lowe also stated that these proposed cuts “threaten the high quality of local and national journalism produced by STV News staff across Scotland”.
Radcliffe previously said of the cuts: “I have every confidence that STV will navigate the currently difficult trading environment in both our key markets, successfully implement our FastFwd strategy, and deliver sustainable value to our shareholders.
“We recognise that our cost savings programme impacts colleagues across the business, and we are committed to supporting people through this change.
“These steps are necessary to strengthen our financial resilience and position STV for long-term growth.
“The launch of STV Radio is on track, viewing on the STV Player is at an all-time high, and we are delighted that Army Of Shadows has been commissioned by Channel 4 from Two Cities.”
