Broadcaster STV is preparing to scale back controversial plans for changes to its news programme in Scotland.
It had planned to drop its northern news service, replacing it with a single programme for the entire country, but a revised proposal is expected to retain some separate coverage for viewers in the North-east.
Regulator Ofcom is expected to launch a consultation this week on a significantly modified scheme, with full details potentially announced as early as Tuesday.
Under the plans, the main 18:00 programme would be split in two, covering Scottish national news broadcast across the country with separate regional segments for the central belt and the north.
The north would still lose its entirely separate service and all studio presentation would still move to Glasgow.
Rufus Radcliffe, chief executive officer of STV said: “STV is an iconic Scottish business with a brilliant schedule of programmes for viewers which delivers unrivalled mass reach for advertisers. We’re incredibly proud of what we do, and we have a clear strategy in place to ensure our continued contribution to Scotland’s creative economy.
"Businesses cannot stand still when their industry is changing and when consumers are changing their behaviour fundamentally and at pace. Viewing habits have transformed and we must adapt and provide the services that people demand, and ensure that we are a future-facing, commercially sustainable business.
“We have had valuable ongoing dialogue with Ofcom and considered very carefully the changes we need to put in place, and we are pleased the regulator proposes to accept this plan.
"The model presented will enable the continued delivery of high-quality news that we are proud of and will see STV realise its digital news ambitions, serving viewers across Scotland.”