The NUJ said the strike will affect STV’s coverage of the Holyrood election results
by Bill Heaney
John MacKay, who supported previous industrial action at STV, said that the broadcaster has a duty to the public to broadcast STV News on the day that screen journalists and technical staff at the station have earmarked Friday, May 8, for a one-day strike which unions warn will limit coverage of the count.
Mr MacKay said the management had a duty to reach a settlement with their staff — “If they have the money to launch a new radio station then they must be in a position to make a settlement on pay.”
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) said members, along with those at Bectu, which represents technical staff, will walk out over management’s refusal to put forward any pay award for 2026, or to agree principles of any compensatory pay award for 2027.
The 0% pay offer follows the launch of STV’s new radio station, at a cost of £500,000, in 2025.
In a letter to unions, STV said: “A temporary salary freeze for this year is… our only option at this stage as we prioritise returning business to profitability.”
The strike comes after STV last year announced plans to axe its dedicated north programme, along with 60 jobs across the company – with around 30 of these in news.
The company applied to the regulator Ofcom for permission to reduce its public service broadcasting obligations and to drop regionalised versions of the flagship News At 6 across its two channel three licence areas.
Ofcom has said it will not publish a decision on the proposals until after the Scottish election.
STV’s annual report published on Tuesday showed revenue fell from £188 million in 2024 to £176.9 million in 2025, while profits dropped £16.3 million to a £5.9 million loss last year.
A previous owner, Lord Thomson of Fleet, said the STV franchise was “a licence to print money.”
In the report, Rufus Radcliffe, STV chief executive, said: “We are proud that STV News At Six remains the most-watched news programme in Scotland, and the team has delivered significant growth in video views across our digital news platforms.”
Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ Scotland organiser, said: “It’s regrettable and frustrating that after extensive talks, management are refusing to put forward any kind of fair compensation offer to the overworked and underpaid staff in the newsroom.
“It is one thing to write warm words in the annual report recognising that the success of the newsroom is built on the backs of its staff, but CEO Rufus Radcliffe needs to back that up with real actions.”
“Returning the business to a strong financial footing is our priority and will protect the long-term interests of our colleagues.
“We are disappointed that the planned day of action will impact our audiences and we remain committed to continuing the dialogue with the joint unions.”