Media regulator Ofcom has indicated that it will support STV’s planned newsroom changes which will mean an end to a dedicated bulletin in the north east.
Ofcom has launched a consultation process into the proposed changes to the station’s two licences which has prompted a backlash in the north east and a strike by staff over £3m of cuts that will see jobs lost.
“We believe STV’s proposal would ensure that audiences continue to receive high-quality regional news on a sustainable basis,” it said in a statement issued today.
STV is planning a new News at 6 programme broadcast from Glasgow that will enable “greater flexibility” for the Central and North licences to share and co-produce output.
The programme will have 70% shared content and 30% specific to each region. STV says this combination of Scotland-wide and dedicated sections for north and central licence areas “will keep viewers up to date across a wide range of topics every weekday.”
Newsgathering will remain on the ground at all existing sites in Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.
“This plan enables STV News at 6 to retain the distinct regional character of both licences, with delivery of high quality, relevant news across both linear and digital, on a sustainable basis and reflecting the ways in which people now consume news,” said the broadcaster.
STV said its proposal “has been developed in response to major and long-term changes in viewing habits and news consumption and the significant growth in online and social media – shifts that are affecting all UK broadcasters.”
It added that its proposal “will ensure that its high-quality regional news service remains relevant to viewers across Scotland, is available on multiple platforms where and when people want to consume it, and is financially sustainable”.
STV News at 6 remains the most watched news programme in Scotland, but its audience is predicted to continue to decline by another 40% by 2030 whilst digital news consumption is increasing. Through these changes, STV says it will rebalance its news resources to ensure that 6pm remains a landmark moment in the schedule every weekday, whilst expanding its digital news service.
STV stresses the importance of adapting this legacy public service news provision for the digital age, by making changes which will make it affordable and ultimately protect it for the future.
This is aligned with Ofcom’s Transmission Critical report, which recognises that stable and adequate funding is needed to sustain PSM content such as news, which is commercially less viable, and that action to support the Public Service Broadcasters is required urgently.
Rufus Radcliffe, CEO 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.”
The Ofcom consultation and STV’s submissions can be found on Ofcom’s website here.
#Ofcom #offers #support #STV #programme #Daily #Business