STV has this morning revealed it expects to announce an operating profit of around £11.4million for 2025 amid continuing controversy surrounding plans to axe its North-east news programme.
First Minister John Swinney this week weighed in on the issue in a letter to broadcast watchdog Ofcom warning the scrapping of the North-east programme would set a "damaging precedent".
In December, STV announced it was watering down the plans to retain some North-east-specific content, but insisted change was needed to ensure it remains a "future-facing, commercially sustainable business".
This morning, the broadcaster published a pre-close trading update ahead of posting its full year results for the year ended 31 December 2025 in mid-March.
Group revenue is expected to be towards the top end of the guidance range of £165million-£180million, with adjusted operating profit in line with current consensus of £11.4million.
The trading update states: "Actions announced in September to protect profitability will deliver a £2.5million cost reduction in 2026 as planned. These savings are incremental to the previously announced target of £5million run rate by the end of 2026."
The actions referred to are understood to relate to the North-east news programme.
The year-end net debt position is expected to be towards the lower end of the guidance range of £45million-£50million.
Rufus Radcliffe, chief executive of STV Group plc, said: "STV will deliver a full year 2025 in line with current expectations. The macro-uncertainty of H2 2025 has continued into early 2026 with subdued advertising and commissioning markets persisting, although the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup provides an important event for advertisers and viewers alike. We are on track to realise previously identified cost savings to protect profitability and provide balance sheet resilience.
"Our award-winning Studios team continues to feed a strong pipeline of new potential projects alongside delivery of returning series; and our new growth venture, STV Radio, is off to a promising start. We are also exploring the strategic options that are emerging given the rapidly evolving media landscape."