Early day motion · EDM 2667 · 22 Jan 2026

Local news journalism and STV regional broadcasting

Tabled by Brian Leishman (Labour) 22 signatures

The motion

That this House recognises the vital role of regional news journalism in supporting democratic accountability, public engagement in civic life, and community representation across Scotland; notes the proposals by STV to centralise news production and end the separate STV North service, including the removal of studio presentation from Aberdeen and the reduction of regional and local bulletins; expresses concern that these changes would weaken public service broadcasting obligations, reduce media plurality, and harm equal access to high-quality local news; further notes opposition from the National Union of Journalists and the walk-out by STV journalists and staff in protest of the proposals, reflecting serious concern within the industry over the proposals; and calls on Ofcom to reject proposals that undermine regional news provision and instead to uphold strong public service broadcasting commitments that protect regional representation across Scotland.