Politicians from across Northern Scotland urge Ofcom to reject STV’s news shake-up

Politicians from across northern Scotland are being asked to rally together by signing a joint letter calling on the television watchdog Ofcom to throw out STV’s plans for major changes to its news programmes.

Scottish Conservative North East MSP Douglas Lumsden has asked MSPs and MPs from across the political divide to pledge their support to the letter, urging Ofcom to reject STV’s application ahead of its consultation closing next week.

The letter has already received the backing from SNP politicians.

Scotland’s main commercial broadcaster is proposing to end the separate service for the north of the country and reduce the amount of purely local news it shows.

A consultation into the proposals, which includes all studio presentation coming from Glasgow and a merger of both North and Central news being shown on STV’s lunchtime and late evening bulletins, closes on Monday (February 9).

Ofcom needs to give approval before STV can make any changes to its news programmes.

The television watchdog intends to publish a statement on what will next happen before Easter.

Despite protests against the plans last month, STV hopes to roll out the proposals by the Spring if they are approved.

The joint letter, which will be sent to Ofcom later this week, states: “The removal of a North produced bulletin constitutes a material reduction in regional distinctiveness, editorial leadership and programme narrative will, which under these proposals, will be determined outside the STV North licence area.

“This directly conflicts with Ofcom’s established position that regional programming must be clearly and consistently reflective of the specific licence area it serves.”

It adds: “Early evening regional bulletins remain a core public service outcome, particularly for audiences in rural areas.

“Ofcom has repeatedly recognised the civic function of regional news, particularly its role in democratic scrutiny and accountability.

“The North of Scotland faces issues of national strategic importance, including the transition of the energy sector, major transport infrastructure issues, pressures on health services and the sustainability of rural and coastal communities.

“A single, centralised programme cannot adequately provide the prominence, continuity and depth of coverage required to reflect these distinct regional priorities.”