JOHN Swinney has said he is both “extremely disappointed” and “deeply concerned” after broadcasting regulators backed changes to STV’s news service.
The First Minister said the changes to STV’s News at 6 Programme – which have now been formally approved by Ofcom – could “significantly weaken regional news provision in the north and north east of Scotland”.
It comes after changes to the north edition of the flagship programme sparked an angry reaction when STV announced them back in December 2025.
While the new version of the teatime news programme will be produced and presented from Glasgow, versions for the north will see about 30% of the programme being specific to that area.
Ofcom said, as the proposal “would permit no more than 70% of content (in peak) to be shared”, this would still “ensure that a distinct regional character will be retained in each area”.
STV chief executive Rufus Radcliffe said: “The changes Ofcom has approved to our licences will enable us to continue serving viewers with the high quality, trusted national and regional news they expect from us.”
But First Minister Swinney said he was “extremely disappointed at the decision by Ofcom to accept STV’s proposals”.
The First Minister stated: “It is clear that these changes are a serious weakening of public service broadcasting output in Scotland, and risk long-term harm to our media.
“Audiences have a right to reliable, locally-relevant news as a core part of our democracy – indeed in an era of misinformation, this is more important than ever.”
He continued: “It is clear to me that the proposals agreed to significantly weaken regional news provision in the north and north east of Scotland and erode local representation.
“I strongly believe that these changes are contrary to the vital aim of serving audiences with high quality news, and safeguarding equitable access to news, as well as jobs in broadcasting, across Scotland.
“I am deeply concerned that this could set a damaging precedent.”
Ofcom pointed out that STV “will maintain newsgathering resources in all of its news bases”, with the regulator adding it would be “an enforceable licence condition that its shared output is of particular interest to viewers in both areas”.
But Labour was also critical of the change, with Nurul Hoque Ali, the party’s candidate in this month’s Aberdeen South by-election stating: “The decision to scrap STV’s north of Scotland’s show is a blow to our community and the wider region.
“News that these plans are set to go ahead will be a cause of anxiety for staff and a disappointment for the community.”
Heather Doran, who is the Labour candidate in the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-election , which will also be held on June 18, also hit out, saying: “It is deeply disappointing that STV has failed to listen to local communities and forged ahead with these damaging cuts.”
She added: “STV must set out clear plans to ensure it can continue to cover the big issues in our area and the rest of the region.”
Conservative MSP Douglas Lumsden, who is standing in Aberdeen South for his party, blasted: “This is a disgraceful decision that will undoubtedly have devastating consequences for its Aberdeen newsroom.
“The announcement marks a dark day for local journalism in Scotland and my thoughts go to STV’s excellent staff who have been treated deplorably throughout this process.”
Russell Borthwick, the chief executive at Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “Ofcom’s decision is deeply disappointing and flies in the face of overwhelming public opinion across northern Scotland.”
He said a survey by the chamber found 83% of people opposed the plans, adding: “It is difficult to understand how such clear and emphatic opposition from the communities affected has ultimately been set aside.”
Borthwick added: “While STV has made changes to its original proposals, the reality remains that the north of Scotland will lose its dedicated news service and the local presentation that has been a trusted part of viewers’ lives for generations.”
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) had campaigned against the changes, with Scotland organiser Nick McGowan-Lowe, saying: “Ofcom’s remit is to act in the interests of viewers, yet today it has rubber-stamped plans that were supported by only 4% of viewers in the north and north-east of Scotland.”
“This is the weakest of decisions in the face of the strongest of opposition from viewers, politicians and STV’s own journalists.”
