Motion text
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.
Signatures (22)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
Leishman, Brian
Labour
Signed on
22 January 2026
Johnson, Kim
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Morris, Grahame
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Long Bailey, Rebecca
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Ribeiro-Addy, Bell
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Trickett, Jon
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.
Duncan-Jordan, Neil
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Lavery, Ian
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Osborne, Kate
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Whittome, Nadia
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Hussain, Imran
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Burgon, Richard
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Lewis, Clive
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
McDonnell, John
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Begum, Apsana
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Witherden, Steve
Labour
Signed on
26 January 2026
Shannon, Jim
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
26 January 2026
Byrne, Ian
Labour
Signed on
27 January 2026
Crichton, Torcuil
Labour
Signed on
28 January 2026
Doogan, Dave
Scottish National Party
Signed on
28 January 2026
Law, Chris
Scottish National Party
Signed on
28 January 2026
Logan, Seamus
Scottish National Party
Signed on
29 January 2026
There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.