STV's coverage of Scotland's election counts is expected to be significantly disrupted by strike action as a dispute over pay escalates. The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the technical union Bectu have called for a second strike this year, targeting the commercial broadcaster's election reporting in protest at a company-wide pay freeze imposed after a substantial drop in revenues.
Strike Details
Approximately 120 journalists and broadcast staff are expected to walk out on Friday. Staff are also angered by STV's decision to cut personnel numbers and drastically reduce news coverage from northern Scotland—the region formerly served by Grampian TV—as part of cost-cutting measures, while simultaneously investing in launching a new radio station.
Regulatory Context
The media regulator Ofcom has postponed a decision on merging the news outputs of STV Central and STV North into a single programme until after the Holyrood election. However, it is expected to approve the merger later this month, subject to minor modifications.
Financial Performance
STV's revenues fell by 6% to £176.9 million last year, with advertising revenue declining by 10% to £89.3 million. The broadcaster attributed this to a series of economic shocks, including a weak economy, rising costs, and a challenging advertising market. This has led to a sharp drop in STV's share price, raising the possibility of a takeover by Comcast, the US media company that owns Sky, or by ITV, after previously resisting pressure to sell.
Union Response
Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ Scotland organiser, stated: "Every NUJ member in the STV newsroom would much rather be broadcasting from election counts than fighting for a fair wage, but they have been left with no choice when the company has decided to spend that money on a new commercial radio station instead. While the company faces financial challenges, none of that is due to the hard-working staff at STV News who produce the most watched evening programme in Scotland. We believe a solution to this dispute is still within reach."
Management Statement
In a letter to staff, STV chief executive Rufus Radcliffe explained that the salary freeze was not taken lightly, but the company has also reorganised bank loans, suspended dividend payments to shareholders, and restructured pension deficit payments. He said: "We are now prioritising job security and delivering financial sustainability. We decided that making a salary award in 2026 would be fiscally irresponsible and could necessitate further cost savings later this year, a situation I am committed to avoiding as we stabilise the business and return to growth."
Radcliffe added that diversifying with the new radio station and digital investments is intended to reduce reliance on a "linear" television station facing heavy competition from social media and new media. "In the face of such rapid change, there are choices we have to make," he said.
STV Spokesperson
An STV spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that the unions' chosen day of action will impact our on-air audiences, and we remain committed to continuing dialogue with the joint unions."
