Committee quizzes STV over proposed cuts
The Scottish Affairs Committee will hold a one-off evidence session examining the reasons for, and impact of, STV’s recently announced cost-saving plan.
On 25 September 2025, STV published their interim financial results for the previous 6 months, which included a cost-savings plan of £3m per annum additional savings. The plan sees STV seek Ofcom’s permission to replace the current news programmes for STV North and STV Central with one news programme covering both areas, broadcast from Glasgow, and proposes 60 job cuts.
In the first panel, the cross-party committee will hear from representatives of the National Union of Journalists and the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union (Bectu) on the financial pressures facing STV, as well as the impact of STV’s proposals on job losses and staff in its Aberdeen newsroom. Questions may also ask for views on the impact of these cuts on local journalism, the long-term strategy of STV, and whether the cuts align with STV’s obligations as a public service broadcaster.
In the second panel, MPs will quiz STV’s Chief Executive and Managing Director on the drivers behind STV’s cost savings plan, STV North viewing figures and the impact of these cuts on local news coverage.
Meeting details
They may also ask about STV’s handling of communications regarding job losses that will come from this savings plan, and whether these proposals will put STV on a sustainable footing in the long-term.