BBC Scotland to axe news programme The Nine after five years

BBC Scotland has announced it plans to scrap its news programme The Nine amid plans to reshape its broadcast services.

The show, which launched five years ago, is one of three programmes which are being axed.

The Nine is to be replaced by a 30-minute news programme at 7pm which will air on the same channel, subject to approval from Ofcom.

Entertainment news show The Edit and weekly news review Seven Days are also to be cut under the plans.

A new topical current affairs podcast series will also be launched on BBC Sounds and iPlayer, as well as on TV.

Other BBC Scotland plans to reshape its news services include the Debate Night programme being extended from 24 to 30 episodes this year, a number of hour-long special editions of Reporting Scotland and investment in online news services.

The BBC said it wanted to “grow the impact of broadcast news services in Scotland whilst offering audiences more ways to watch and listen to news and current affairs output across all our services”.

It added that there will be no staff job losses as a result of the changes.

Gary Smith, head of news and current affairs said: “It’s going to be a busy year for news with a UK election, an American election, and Scotland’s trip to Germany for the Euros.

“We need to make sure we keep changing our output as audience habits change, so that we provide the best possible service for our audiences in the formats and on the platforms they want.

“I’m very proud that The Nine has produced such great journalism and developed such great talent over the past five years, and I’m confident that our new offer to audiences will continue to meet those high standards.”

Steve Carson, director BBC Scotland added: “In launching new shows and developing our digital services, these changes play to our strengths as an innovative broadcaster that delivers high quality journalism to audiences across all our platforms – from TV and Radio to online news, iPlayer and Sounds.”

The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture Angus Robertson said: “Extremely disappointing BBC decision to downgrade news output in Scotland. Decision runs counter to growing success of screen and TV sector in Scotland.

“I am seeking earliest possible meetings with BBC Director General Tim Davie and Ofcom to discuss.”