BBC Scotland TV channel to close as broadcaster cuts costs
The channel will move to iPlayer next spring and its News at Seven programme will end, with around 10 more jobs expected to go.
BBC Scotland headquarters at Pacific Quay, Glasgow. File photo. · Photograph: Tony Webster (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The BBC is to close its BBC Scotland TV channel as part of efforts to save £500 million.
The channel, which launched from Pacific Quay in Glasgow in February 2019, will move to BBC iPlayer next spring. Its nightly News at Seven programme will end, and around 10 posts are expected to be cut on top of the 60 BBC Scotland announced earlier this year.
Programmes such as Scotland's Home of the Year, Inside Barlinnie, the Scottish Cup Final and Hogmanay coverage will move online or to BBC One and BBC Two in Scotland. Friday night SPFL Championship matches will move to BBC Two.
BBC Scotland director Hayley Valentine said the broadcaster had to focus its resources where they would have the biggest impact for audiences.
Culture Secretary Màiri McAllan said the Scottish Government strongly opposed the plans, calling them wholly unacceptable. The National Union of Journalists has asked the UK Chancellor to step in.
BBC Three and Radio 4 Extra are also moving online. The BBC has said it will cut up to 2,000 jobs over two years.