The decision by Ofcom to allow STV to move ahead with plans to cut the level of local news provided to viewers in the former Grampian Television area, now STV North, is disappointing to say the very least.
The broadcasting company has announced they aim to get rid of the North edition of STV News and replace it with a single programme broadcast from Glasgow as well as cutting 60 jobs across their output including camera operators and technicians. STV cite linear viewing declines and an increase in digital consumption of news behind their decision making, which follows on from a significant fall in their advertising revenue last year.
This decision condemns nearly 65 years of distinct local news coverage in the North of Scotland to the history books.
Local people should be able to see their stories and their area represented on screen but, again, decisions made in London are having an adverse impact on a part of the world it neither understands or cares about.
Trusted local news has never been more important, and I’ll continue to fight alongside my SNP colleagues to ensure my constituents have access to that.
