The Fight for Local News
At the heart of the dispute is the decision to scrap the Aberdeen-based STV News at Six north edition. Under the new proposal, it would be replaced by a single, pan-Scottish program broadcast from Glasgow.
The union’s opposition is based on three primary concerns:
- The Loss of Local Voice: Union leaders argue that merging the programs will leave viewers in the North and Tayside without a platform for local issues.
- Redundancies: While several staff members have accepted voluntary packages, the strike aims to block the remaining compulsory redundancies looming over the newsroom.
- Resource Allocation: The NUJ has highlighted a perceived “hypocrisy” in STV’s budget, noting that the company recently spent 500,000 to launch its new radio wing while cutting its core news staff.
STV’s Strategic Shift
Management at STV maintains that the overhaul is a necessary evolution. By consolidating news services, they aim to create a “digital-first” newsroom that can compete with streaming platforms and social media.
Following a recent Ofcom ruling, the broadcaster is permitted to move to a single national program, provided it meets specific quotas for regional stories. STV leadership has labeled the strike “ill-timed,” especially as they attempt to diversify their business through the newly launched STV Radio.
What’s Next?
Picket lines remain active across the country today. While STV managed to launch its radio station 24 hours early to avoid the worst of the disruption, the long-term impact on its news coverage remains uncertain. The NUJ has indicated that further action could be on the horizon unless the threat of forced job losses is removed.
Note: Public sentiment appears to be on the side of the journalists; recent polling indicates that over 80% of Northern viewers oppose the loss of their dedicated local news bulletin.
