STV today outlines its future plans for delivery of news and current affairs services across Scotland, with commitment to local news being raised.

STV said it ‘continues to recognise the demand for comprehensive and engaging local services’, and will do so on various fronts including three distinct programmes for the News at Six, online news coverage on the website and apps, and the continued roll-out of hyper-local websites.

It stated that as following the announcement, new technology will be rolled out in full in its studios in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. 

The media company has confirmed that the dedicated news programme for Edinburgh and the east of Scotland will continue.  This means three will be three distinct 30 minute programmes broadcast each evening: one for the East, one in the West, and a dedicated programme for the north of Scotland, including a bulletin for the Dundee and Tayside area. 

Gordon Macmillan, head of news at STV,said: “The success and popularity of the pilot programme for the East has reinforced the fact that there is such a strong appetite for local news in Scotland.  We’ve found that the micro-regional bulletins are frequently the most popular part of our news programmes and we’re building on that by committing to three dedicated evening shows.  We know that people want their news anytime, anywhere and we’re providing tailored services, across platforms, allowing us to strengthen the relationship with our viewers even further.”   

STV has also said that it will launch news and current affairs programme Scotland Tonight, on 24 October.

Bobby Hain, director of channels at STV,said: “Today’s announcement confirms STV’s commitment to providing an ambitious, distinct, relevant and up-to-the-minute local service for viewers across the country, using top-of-the-range broadcasting technology. 

“For STV, this is about delivering a valued and first rate news service across multi-platforms that people know and trust, developing increased editorial content and being innovative in the way that we deliver public service broadcasting in a digital age.”