STV to cut 60 jobs and plans one news programme for Scotland

STV has announced it is cutting around 60 jobs as part of cost-saving measures following a drop in advertising revenue and a deterioration in the content commissioning market.

The Glasgow-based broadcaster says the cuts represent 10% of the company’s workforce and is seeking to make savings worth £2.5m by the end of next year.

It also announced plans to replace its central belt and north of Scotland news with a single programme presented from Glasgow that will incorporate news reporting from across the country.

The move requires permission from the regulator Ofcom and a consultation is expected to begin shortly.

STV also announced its interim half-year results on Thursday, reporting a £200,000 loss in the first six months of 2025.

The board said on Thursday it was not proposing an interim dividend given the uncertain trading environment.

Chief executive Rufus Radcliffe said: “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.”

STV remains the most popular peak time channel in Scotland and the flagship News at Six is the most-watched news programme.

But viewing habits are changing fast.

An Ofcom study earlier this year found that people in Scotland spent an average of five hours and four minutes per day watching TV and video content at home in 2024.

While broadcast still accounts for 56% of viewing, streaming continues to rise and YouTube is now the second most-watched service in Scotland – behind BBC and ahead of STV/ITV1.

Nick McGowan-Lowe, national organiser for Scotland at the National Union of Journalists, said: “Anyone who has been following STV and the profit warning they put out in July knew that something was coming.

“I don’t think anyone expected there to be such savage cuts, particularly in local news. This isn’t good for viewers of STV and it’s certainly not good for journalism in Scotland.

“Like every other media organisation, STV is having to adapt to the new ways that people are consuming news.”

STV acquired Grampian Television in 1997, a separate company which began providing local news bulletins in the north of Scotland in 1961.

Ryan Crighton, policy director at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is deeply concerning news and we have written to both the UK and Scottish governments seeking some clarity on the reason behind this decision.

“It is really important for this region to have a voice on national television. We do not want to see that voice diminished.”

The issue was raised at First Minister’s Questions on Thursday.

First Minister John Swinney said: “Local journalism is absolutely important for the scrutiny of public policy at all levels in Scottish society.

“I was concerned to hear this morning of the reports about STV and also the news recently about the Daily Record.

“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.

The cuts were also raised at Holyrood’s Culture Committee on Thursday morning.

They have agreed to call STV management and Ofcom to give evidence in the coming weeks.