GMS on hit list as BBC Scotland plans restructure – Daily Business

BBC Radio Scotland is facing a major shake-up that could see two of its long-running programmes scrapped.

Good Morning Scotland, which launched on Hogmanay 1973, is said to be on the hit-list, following a similar move in Wales where the BBC replaced its breakfast programme with a magazine-style show.

Modelled on Radio Four’s Today programme, GMS is mainly hosted by Gary Robertson and Laura Maxwell, with Graham Stewart, Laura McIver and Lucy Whyte stepping in as guest presenters.

Follow-on programme Mornings, whose presenters include Kaye Adams and Stephen Jardine, is also at risk, according to The Times.

It reports that news presenter McIver and Martin Geissler, host of The Sunday Show, which is aired on BBC1 Scotland and BBC Radio Scotland, could present a revamped early morning radio show.

One BBC insider was quoted saying: “This has come as a shock to everyone. Good Morning Scotland is very much seen as the jewel in Radio Scotland’s crown.

“Initially, we were told that a rejig of the morning schedule was being planned but the expectation was that it would survive. Now, it looks as if the whole thing could be wound up by the end of the month.”

They added: “If this goes ahead, it will be a huge step backwards. With an election coming up we need more scrutiny and analysis, not less.”

Another source said: “The show definitely needed an overhaul but dropping it completely would be a very radical move. The rot started when they started relying on inexperienced producers and underwhelming presenters.

“There will be undoubtedly be a backlash when people find out what is being planned. Our hope is that it will be so overwhelming that it will make them think again.”

The changes are being led by Victoria Easton Riley, the new head of audio and events, who was recruited in May to revitalise the station’s output.

She previously produced the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Nick Grimshaw before becoming director of content for Scotland and Northern Ireland with the commercial radio firm Bauer, where she was credited with generating significant growth in listeners for Clyde 1 and Forth 1.

BBC Scotland has declined to comment on what it called “speculation about our schedules.”

Last year The Nine, the BBC Scotland channel’s news and current and affairs show, was axed after ratings tumbled. It was replaced by a 30-minute news programme at 7pm on the same channel.

The news comes as STV chiefs defended their decision to scrap the company’s dedicated news service in the north of Scotland.

Chief executive Rufus Radcliffe said the company was facing a “very difficult economic situation” and need to get the company a sustainable financial footing.