STV has brought forward the launch date for its radio channel to avoid disruption by a strike among its journalists.
The one-day walkouts on 7 January will affect all of the broadcaster’s newsrooms as staff continue their protest over plans to run down the north east studio and cut jobs.
STV Radio was due to go live that day but bosses have brought it forward to 6 January. Management claims there is no reason to wait because the studio is ready.
The strike will take place following a ballot of members which showed 94% in favour on an 82% turnout.
STV’s proposed cutback follows a profits warning in the summer after the company reported a loss.
It has recently announced revised plans that will include guaranteed opt-outs for the north east news and which the broadcasting regulator Ofcom has supported.
The National Union of Journalists insists the changes are bad for viewers, advertisers, and journalism. Questions have also been raised about the wisdom of spending £500,000 setting up a commercial radio station. STV insists it will be a revenue and profits earner.
Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ national organiser for Scotland, said: “Our members are angry at the lack of leadership from the top of the company, angry at management’s handling of the proposed changes, and angry that their colleagues are facing compulsory redundancies because of the company’s financial mismanagement.
“It is not too late for management to rethink their plans and avoid damaging strikes.”
An STV spokesperson said: “The NUJ has notified us of their decision to take action on 7 January. This won’t impact the launch of STV Radio, an exciting new growth venture for the business.
“As a result of our cost savings plan 28 roles are impacted across our newsrooms, the majority of which have been achieved through voluntary redundancy or redeployment.”
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