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STV Journalists Walk Out Over Plan to Centralise News At 6

Ofcom is taking public responses on STV’s plan ahead of a January 9 consultation deadline.

Overview

  • Staff formed picket lines outside STV offices in Glasgow and Aberdeen as the company moves to replace separate north and central editions with a single Glasgow-produced programme.
  • The revised proposal would keep about 30% of the 6pm bulletin tailored to each licence area, which Ofcom has indicated it is inclined to accept subject to the consultation.
  • STV says 28 newsroom roles are affected, mostly via voluntary redundancy or redeployment, after earlier reports suggested up to 60 jobs could go.
  • NUJ members voted 94% for strike action and leaders argue the consolidation would reduce local reporting quality, urging viewers to respond to the regulator.
  • During the walkout, ITV network bulletins replaced STV’s regional output and the 6pm programme was not expected to air, with the strike mandate running until June.