Ofcom delays verdict on STV news cutbacks – Daily Business

STV wants to end its dedicated programme in Aberdeen

A decision on STV’s controversial plan to scrap its dedicated news broadcast in the north east of Scotland has been delayed until after the Scottish elections in May.

The broadcaster wants to bring all its news production into its Glasgow studios, with opt outs for local news, as part of a group savings plan.

Ofcom had been expected announce the decision before Easter and the delay has been criticised by the journalists’ union and politicians.

The regulator said the delay was because of the large response to its consultation on the proposals which closed in early February.

A spokesperson said: “We are now aiming to publish our decision as soon as practicable after the Scottish parliamentary elections.

“This will give us time to engage with representations we have received throughout the process.”

The NUJ claimed STV staff had been overstretched trying to produce its existing news service while they waited for Ofcom to make up its mind.

STV is due to publish its annual results on Tuesday when it will update on its savings plan and the pressure on income.

Scottish organiser Nick McGowan-Lowe said: “Either Ofcom choose to stand by their earlier statement that these proposed changes are ‘the best thing for audiences’, or they listen to the 83% of viewers in the north of Scotland, the leaders of the five main political parties and STV’s own journalists.

“Whichever way they choose to decide, STV’s viewers and journalists deserve to know the decision now and there is no sound reason why this decision should be delayed until after the Scottish elections.”

Aberdeen Donside MSP Jackie Dunbar, who has campaigned against the cuts since they were announced last autumn, said: “The proposed cuts were ill thought through from the start – showing scant regard for the highly skilled STV staff working in the north of Scotland or viewers who have cherished the unique local news service for decades.

“Today’s decision has only increased uncertainty for the affected journalists, production staff and viewers.

“Ofcom absurdly previously stated that the cuts were ‘the best thing for audiences’.

“They can’t carry on kicking the can down the road forever. They must now come out and say whether they stand by this assessment or whether they have listened to the backlash from viewers, journalists and politicians from across the political divide – and support a future for local broadcasting in the north of the country.”

#Ofcom #delays #verdict #STV #news #cutbacks #Daily #Business