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Media regulator Ofcom has been urged to explain why it treated more than a thousand objections to STV\u2019s newsroom shake-up as a single response.<\/p>\n
Aberdeen Central SNP MSP Jack Middleton says the public consultation process that will see the dismantling of STV North has raised \u201cgrave concerns\u201d.<\/p>\n
Mr Middleton has demanded answers to how the regulator rubber-stamped STV\u2019s plans to end its dedicated news coverage for the North of Scotland. The decision will mean news will be centralised in Glasgow with opt outs for local news.<\/p>\n
Fresh\u00a0analysis of the consultation has shown that of 1,292 responses only four were in favour of STV\u2019s proposals \u2013 including a response from STV itself.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Newly-elected Mr Middleton said Ofcom attempted to group over 1,000 responses via the campaign group Save STV as one single response.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He said viewers, businesses, STV workers, the Scottish Government and politicians from across the political divide opposed the plan.<\/p>\n
He has written to Glenn Preston, head of Ofcom in Scotland, asking for answers about the consultation process.<\/p>\n
Letter<\/p>\n
\u201cDear Mr Preston,<\/p>\n
I was deeply disappointed by Monday\u2019s Ofcom decision to approve STV\u2019s plans to end its dedicated news coverage for viewers in the North of Scotland.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As you will be aware, this decision has been met with dismay by viewers, STV staff, businesses and politicians across the North of the country and beyond.<\/p>\n
Having now read through the responses to the consultation in detail, I am now even more dismayed and have grave concerns about the process. I would be grateful if you could answer the following:<\/p>\n
- \n
- What was the purpose of holding a public consultation if you were going to ignore the views of over 99.5% of respondents?<\/li>\n
- When was the decision to approve STV plans made?<\/li>\n
- Can you explain why the publication of the findings was delayed until this week having initially being planned for March? This delay caused further uncertainty for STV staff affected by the proposed changes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
It imperative you provide answers to the above questions and would be happy to meet to discuss the consultation process.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Should it be that respondents were ignored, there are very serious questions as to the validity of this process.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In the meantime, I would encourage you to listen to public opinion and urgently reconsider your decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
A response from Ofcom is awaited.<\/p>\n
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