STV’s decision to axe its dedicated north news operation has been branded a “slap in the face” after leaked figures revealed its evening bulletin regularly outperforms flagship shows like Emmerdale and The Chase.
The broadcaster plans to merge its north and central operations, with all programmes produced and presented from Glasgow.
That would mean the end of bulletins from Aberdeen’s Tullos newsroom, which has served the region for more than two decades. Around 60 jobs are at risk nationwide, with half expected to come from news teams.
Viewing data leaked to the P&J show STV News at Six attracts an average 40% share in the north, beating both BBC’s Reporting Scotland and the channel’s most popular entertainment shows.
Aberdeen Central MSP Kevin Stewart said the move “does not stack up” against the audience numbers. while former Grampian TV boss Derrick Thomson called it “crucial” that regional voices are not lost.
STV chief executive Rufus Radcliffe insisted reporters would continue working across the country. He said the shake-up was designed to “protect” the service for the future in the face of changing viewing habits.