STV broadcast its final dedicated News at Six bulletin from its Aberdeen studio on Friday, ending more than 60 years of live broadcasting from the North East. After Friday, STV news bulletins seen in the north will be presented from Glasgow.
Norman MacLeod Signs Off
At the end of Friday's News at Six bulletin, long-time STV journalist Norman MacLeod signed off from Aberdeen for the last time. “That brings us to the end of tonight’s programme,” he said. “And indeed the curtain comes down on more than 60 years of live broadcasting in the North East.”
He continued: “On behalf of all the staff here, it’s been an honour being part of that legacy. And for me, it’s been an absolute privilege to present the news in your homes for the past 36 years, so for the final time, it’s goodbye.”
Changes Approved by Ofcom
The last dedicated STV news programme from Aberdeen came almost a year after changes to the service were first proposed. The changes were allowed by regulator Ofcom despite opposition from the Scottish Government, politicians from across the parties, and unions.
From Monday, the new version of the teatime news programme will be produced and presented from Glasgow. Versions for the north will see about 30 per cent of the programme being specific to that area. Ofcom said, as the proposal “would permit no more than 70 per cent of content (in peak) to be shared”, this would still “ensure that a distinct regional character will be retained in each area”.
Impact on Staff
After almost 40 years bringing the news to viewers across the north of Scotland and beyond, Friday’s programme was also Mr MacLeod’s final time presenting the STV News at Six bulletin after the company announced he was stepping down earlier this week.
In a statement, a spokesperson for STV said: “We have started transitioning to new versions of STV News at Six which feature news gathered from reporters on the ground across Scotland. “There continue to be two editions of the programme, one for Central and one for North, with both also sharing stories of national interest. The Aberdeen studio continues to be in use as required. “The changes have impacted around 30 roles across our Central and North news teams, all of which were achieved on a voluntary basis or through redeployment. This process is complete.”
