STV has concluded its full news programme for northern Scotland as of Friday evening, July 10, 2026. The last edition of the News at Six was aired from its Aberdeen studio, marking a significant shift in the regional news landscape. From now on, news bulletins for the north will be produced from Glasgow.
Changes to STV's News Broadcasting
The changes come nearly a year after controversial proposals were put forth, which faced opposition from various political figures and unions. The Ofcom regulator approved the merger of STV's two separate news services, effectively streamlining operations.
Starting Monday, the 18:00 programme will feature content from both regions but will include just under a third of the programme dedicated to the north. This alteration aims to maintain some level of local news coverage, albeit with fewer purely local stories.
Impact on Staff and Viewers
These changes have resulted in approximately 30 job losses and prompted a one-day strike, although there were no compulsory redundancies. Long-serving presenter Norman MacLeod has also departed, stating, "I've had an incredible career at STV... but the time feels right to embark on a new adventure."
Despite concerns from critics about the loss of local news, STV assures viewers that significant stories from the north, including severe weather and high-profile court cases, will still be covered.
Criticism and Historical Context
The decision to consolidate news coverage has drawn ire from the Scottish government and local business groups. First Minister John Swinney expressed disappointment, asserting that the changes would weaken regional news provision significantly. Critics question why Ofcom supported the plan when most respondents opposed it.
The transformation of STV's news service marks the end of an era initiated by Grampian Television, which was known for its distinct regional programming. Once a pioneer in regional broadcasting, Grampian's legacy is now overshadowed by the current corporate restructuring.
- 30 job losses reported
- Last Aberdeen news bulletin aired on July 10, 2026
- STV's news services merged for operational efficiency
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC Entertainment. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
