STV is expected to cut about 60 staff after weaker commissioning and falling advertising saw it slide to a half-year loss.

It intends to close its north of Scotland news operation and introduce a single programme from Glasgow, with local opt-outs.

The broadcaster today announced additional cost savings of £3 million, with £2.5m to be delivered over the next year. It follows a previously announced target of £5m by the end 2026.

Chairman Paul Reynolds has announced he will be leaving the role and the board at the end of the year. The board has appointed Clive Whiley as his successor.

First Minister John Swinney today said the government would be approaching the company and media regulator Ofcom to assess the impact of the cuts.

Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ national organiser for Scotland, condemned the cuts, adding: “As long as STV wants to have those two ITV licences [in Glasgow and Aberdeen], it has to produce quality news coverage, and cutting a third of the newsroom is not going to do that.”

On the proposed closure of the Aberdeen studio, Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “People want to know what is happening in their area, not rely on a one size fits all model.”

The company slipped to a £200,000 half-year loss before tax (2024: profit of £4.8m) as total advertising revenue fell 10% to £45.6m (2024: £50.7m), driven by a 16% fall in national linear advertising.

Flat total revenue of £90m (Jun-24: £90.4m) was partially offset by a 13% rise in Studios income to £42.2m (2024: £37.5m), despite a difficult commissioning market.

Studios’ order book has reduced further to £40m at the end of August, compared to £54m at end-July and a high of £101m in July 2024.

In view of the challenging trading conditions the board has cancelled the interim dividend and will continue to review the position.

The cuts are also expected to affect the unscripted label portfolio of its Studios production arm. Development activity in STV Studios Entertainment will stop and it will make no further investment in Mighty Productions.

In July, STV’s share price fell by a third after it warned that profits would be lower than previously expected.

The editorial operations are impacted by changes in the delivery of news as viewers switch from linear broadcast to online platforms.

However, STV News at Six remains the most watched news programme in Scotland for the 6th year, with a 30% viewing share.

STV’s digital news amassed a total of 226m views across H1, with shifting trends in consumption resulting in a 207% increase in video views. YouTube views were up 33% (+1.2m) year on year and TikTok views +154% (+25m) year on year.

Rufus Radcliffe, chief executive, commented: “I have every confidence that STV will navigate the currently difficult trading environment in both our key markets, successfully implement our FastFwd strategy, and deliver sustainable value to our shareholders.

“We recognise that our cost savings programme impacts colleagues across the business, and we are committed to supporting people through this change. These steps are necessary to strengthen our financial resilience and position STV for long-term growth.

“The launch of STV Radio is on track, viewing on the STV Player is at an all-time high, and we are delighted that Army of Shadows has been commissioned by Channel 4 from Two Cities.”

Paul Reynolds is to step down as chairman and director by the end of this year. He joined the board in February 2021 and has served as chair since April 2021.

The board said that following a search process, Clive Whiley will join the board from 1 October 2025 as non-executive director and chair elect. He was previously non-executive chairman of De La Rue.

Mr Reynolds said: “As a Scot who grew up with STV, it has been my great privilege to chair this iconic company over the last five years.

“We have continued to grow our brand strength with viewers and advertisers whilst meeting the challenge of diversifying, such that over half our revenues now come from award-winning TV productions for national and international streamers and broadcasters.

“I am confident our FastFwd strategy will continue that journey and bring us new audiences and
advertisers while we grow our leading TV production business.

“Demand for advertising and new shows is currently weak, in line with the UK economy, and Clive’s huge experience will be very helpful in navigating through this tough period, keeping STV strong for the opportunities that the inevitable upturn will bring. I’ll work closely with him over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.”

Mr Whiley said: “I am looking forward to joining the STV board as the company seeks to deliver the strategy announced earlier this year to grow the business and create value.

“My non-executive career has been characterised by applying my experience of listed and regulated environments to fresh challenges, where I actively seek opportunities to operate in new sectors, with the media industry currently undergoing a period of exceptional change.”

Market reaction

STV shares closed 0.5p lower at 114p, well below their 52-week high of 253.6p. Analysts are assuming there will be no dividend for the full year after the company paid out £5m in previous years.

Progressive Equity Research said the interim results are consistent with the guidance issued in July, and it makes no changes to itsfull-year operating profit estimates.

“Trading remains challenging in Q3 for both advertising and programme commissioning, but STV is announcing a number of operating and financial cost actions that should underpin the group’s potential to bounce back strongly and deliver longer-term growth when markets recover.”

It adds: “Studios has just won another major drama commission (Army of Shadows for C4), making 30 new commissions YTD, and further commissioning decisions are indicated to be at an advance stage.

“Regional advertising continues to outperform national in H1, and plans to launch a new radio station for Scotland are on track and developing well.”