Moray Councillors unite to oppose STV newsroom cuts
All 26 councillors at Moray Council have signed joint letters to STV’s Chief Executive and OFCOM, voicing strong opposition to plans that would see the broadcaster end its dedicated news programme for the north of Scotland.
In the letters, they warn that the move would represent a ‘significant and damaging loss’ to communities across the region, representing the loss of a ‘crucial service’.
They highlight that the north of Scotland has ‘distinct needs, voices and stories that deserve fair and dedicated representation’ and express concern about the loss of “a key pathway into the broadcasting industry for aspiring journalists, producers and technicians” in the region.
Moray Council Leader and Scottish Conservative representative Cllr Kathleen Robertson said: “The cross-party consensus here shows the depth of feeling that exists about these proposals. Removing dedicated regional news makes it harder for our communities to stay informed and also for decisions to be scrutinised and debated – which is something we as councillors absolutely value.”
SNP group co-leader Cllr Sonya Warren added: “At a time when misinformation is more prevalent than its ever been, cutting local news services sends the wrong message. STV has a public service responsibility, and that includes representing voices outside of the central belt.”
Labour group leader Cllr Sandy Keith remarked: “The decision would not only hit current staff, but a whole generation of aspiring media professionals at the north. With recent cuts elsewhere in the local media including at Moray Firth Radio, this is extremely concerning. Regional newsrooms matter, not just for coverage – but careers.”
Scottish Green representative Cllr Draeyk Van Der Horn said: “Local journalism is vital for democratic accountability, especially in rural areas, where it relies on reporters with deep local knowledge. When trusted news sources disappear, communities are left vulnerable to misinformation and urban bias, particularly dangerous in a post-truth era shaped by social media. This crisis reflects a broader collapse of local media across Scotland, with newspaper closures, radio cuts, and underfunded independent outlets creating growing ‘media deserts.’ STV must reconsider its approach and take seriously its responsibility as a public service broadcaster to serve all of Scotland’s communities.”