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Written question asked by Jamie Stone (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 June 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Monday, 22 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Local Broadcasting: Scotland

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of Ofcom's approval of changes to STV's regional news programming on access to locally relevant news for rural and remote communities.

Answer

While the Government recognises STV’s operational independence, it is important that they continue to provide for all audiences in Northern and Central Scotland.

I have recently engaged with STV senior leadership to communicate my disappointment with this outcome and to emphasise the importance of audiences across STV’s licenced areas being able to see the new stories that matter to their local community reflected on screen.

Any changes to STV’s Channel 3 licences are a matter for Ofcom who determine and enforce these licences. As part of their statutory monitoring role, Ofcom has confirmed it plans to monitor the impact of their changes through STV’s annual Statement of Programme Policy and their overall assessment of the public service broadcasters’ delivery of their remit.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
10691
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Rural areas Local broadcasting Scotland
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk