BBC Scotland channel to move online as 10 jobs are cut

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 16:38 · Archive

The BBC announced that BBC Scotland will move from traditional television to BBC iPlayer only from spring 2025.

The BBC announced on Tuesday that BBC Scotland will move from traditional television to BBC iPlayer only from spring 2025. BBC Three and Radio 4 Extra will also move online as part of the same restructuring. Ten jobs will be lost in Scotland as a result of these changes.

Scottish Culture Secretary Mairi McAllan said the proposal was 'wholly unacceptable' and confirmed she would engage with Ofcom over the decision. She described it as 'a significant blow to our media landscape' and 'the latest example of a long-standing pattern of BBC underinvestment in Scotland'. She said the move raised 'serious questions about the broadcaster's commitment to Scottish audiences and the creative sector, and its public service obligations to serve all parts of the UK fairly and equitably'.

Scottish Green culture spokesperson Q Manivannan called the announcement a 'huge blow for staff' and a 'backwards step that risks leaving viewers behind'. He warned that moving away from a traditional TV channel would make BBC Scotland less accessible, particularly for older people and those facing barriers to getting online, noting that not everyone has reliable internet access or the right devices.

How it is being reported

• Scottish Government slams BBC Scotland TV channel cut as 'wholly unacceptable'Culture Secretary Mairi McAllan made the comments shortly after BBC announced service cuts which will hit BBC Scotland.Daily Record · 20 Oct, 16:02
• BBC Scotland closure row escalates as Scottish Government turns to OfcomMoving the BBC Scotland channel online is “wholly unacceptable”, Scottish Culture Secretary Mairi McAllan has saidThe National · 20 Oct, 16:02

In this story: BBC Scotland · Scottish Government · Mairi McAllan · Ofcom · Q Manivannan · Scotland

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