Scottish minister slams BBC Scotland channel closure — SkimNews
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- Màiri McAllan called for an immediate review of the BBC's plan to close the linear BBC Scotland channel, labeling the move 'wholly unacceptable' and a setback for Scottish representation in UK broadcasting
- BBC announced it will move BBC Scotland, BBC Three, and Radio 4 Extra online as part of £500m cost-saving measures by 2028, ending linear broadcasts of the Scotland-specific channel
- Màiri McAllan warned that closing the linear channel would disproportionately affect audiences who rely on traditional TV and lack reliable online access, undermining public service broadcasting principles
- BBC confirmed that flagship programmes like Reporting Scotland, Scotland's Home of the Year, and the Scottish Cup Final will remain available on BBC One, BBC Two, or online platforms
- Màiri McAllan opposed the planned cancellation of the nightly News at Seven, calling it a 'totally unacceptable reduction' in nationally relevant journalism that will cut around 10 jobs
- Ofcom stated it will engage with the BBC to assess how proposed changes serve UK audiences, though it cannot compel the broadcaster to maintain a specific linear service
Why it matters: The BBC’s shift online risks excluding older and less digitally connected viewers in Scotland, while cutting 10 journalism roles and reducing visible national programming—undermining its public service mandate just as it faces deeper financial strain from falling licence fee revenue.
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