STV ends Aberdeen news broadcasts after nearly a year of controversy

STV broadcasts its final full news programme from Aberdeen on Friday, ending a service that had been under threat since controversial changes were proposed almost a year ago. The News at Six bulletin will be the last produced from the Aberdeen studio; from Monday, northern Scotland bulletins will originate from Glasgow. Regulator Ofcom approved the changes despite opposition from the Scottish government, politicians, unions, and local business groups. The plan merges STV's two separate news services into one, with a requirement that just under a third of the 18:00 programme be dedicated to each region. Long-serving presenter Norman MacLeod departs after nearly 40 years. The changes result in 30 job losses and a one-day strike, though no compulsory redundancies occurred. STV chief executive Rufus Radcliffe defended the move as necessary for sustainability, citing falling ratings and advertising revenue. Critics, including First Minister John Swinney, argue the decision weakens regional news provision. The separate northern service was the last legacy of Grampian Television, which was bought by STV in 1997 and whose name disappeared in 2006. Grampian had launched the careers of Selina Scott, Donny B MacLeod, and Donald MacCormick.