Murray backs local news coverage over STV North closure

Liberal Democrat Scottish Affairs Spokesperson Susan Murray MP has today pressed the Chief Executive of STV over the impact of the organisation's cost-saving plans which will close STV North and cut 60 jobs.

In September, STV announced a plan to deliver £3 million in annual savings in reaction to a decrease in revenue in interim financial results. Part of these plans include a proposal to close STV North, effectively merging its licence with STV Central.

The plan projects cutting 60 jobs, with half affecting newsroom staff.

At today's Scottish Affairs Committee, Ms Murray pressed Chief Executive Rufus Radcliffe over the closure of the Aberdeen news programme and the impact on the future pipeline of jobs in the industry.

Ms Murray continued by enquiring how the proposal to cut STV North would affect the representation of regions within the UK.  

Speaking after the exchange Susan Murray MP stated:

"I'm frustrated by Rufus Radcliffe's answers today. It sounds like he intends to plough ahead regardless of the impact on viewers in the north of Scotland.

“The plans to merge STV North with STV Central threatens to dilute local news for Scottish communities who rely on this news broadcast for local connectivity to know what is going on in their area. The proposal risks media plurality and regional representation. STV have a public service obligation to provide Scotland with regional as well as national broadcasting.

“The closure of the Aberdeen studio and the loss of 60 jobs within the media industry will disproportionately affect skilled journalists and career pathways in the north and east.

"At a time when it is hard to find trustworthy news, STV North is providing valuable, local, news which connects isolated communities across the north.

“The Liberal Democrats are focused on supporting communities at a local level. I will continue to work to uphold local broadcasting across the north of Scotland.”