Robertson says STV cuts a ‘worrying step backwards’ – Daily Business

Scotland’s Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has written to STV chief executive Rufus Radcliffe describing the planned closure of its northeast studio as a “worrying step backwards”.

Mr Robertson’s intervention follows a pledge by First Minister John Swinney on Thursday to contact the company about its plan to shed 60 jobs and deliver its news programmes from one studio in Glasgow.

The First Minister also said the media regulator Ofcom would also be approached.

In his letter, Mr Robertson says STV is “an important part of Scottish identity and culture and has a key role to play in Scottish broadcasting.

He adds: “I recognise that STV is facing challenging financial circumstances and working to adapt to a changing environment, however I am deeply concerned that these moves will see significant reductions in news provision and public service broadcasting in Scotland.

“The sustainability of quality news from reliable sources is crucial in the fight against false or misleading information. 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.

“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.”

STV said it was closing its Aberdeen studio as part of £3 million in addtional cost savings after weaker commissioning and falling advertising saw it slide to a half-year loss.

Last month it unveiled a new-look for both its Glasgow and Aberdeen studios.

Announcing the cutbacks on Thursday, Mr Radcliffe, chief executive, said: “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.”

Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ national organiser for Scotland, condemned the cuts, adding: “As long as STV wants to have those two ITV licences [in Glasgow and Aberdeen], it has to produce quality news coverage, and cutting a third of the newsroom is not going to do that.”