Cole-Hamilton criticises STV job cuts

Responding to reports that STV is to cut 60 jobs, equivalent to around 10% of the company's workforce as it looks to slash costs by a further £3 million per year, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

"I am disappointed to hear that STV are planning job cuts as well as discussing removing regional STV news programmes. People want to know what is happening in their area, not rely on a one size fits all model.

"In this era of social media misinformation, people need trusted sources of news, based in communities across Scotland, more than ever. In an election year in particular, it is essential that failing governments are held to account and I believe STV's journalists can be proud of their work to inform and challenge.

"While I appreciate that advertising revenue is not what it once was, I think viewers may raise an eyebrow that more than £5m a year has been paid out in dividends, yet cuts are on the cards.

"Likewise given that we are in the era of Spotify and Apple Music, bosses had better be extremely confident that a new music station will rapidly turn a profit. I will be writing to Chief Executive Rufus Radcliffe to make these points and press for jobs to be maintained."