Scottish minister seeks review of BBC Scotland channel closure

Scotland’s culture secretary, Màiri McAllan, has called on broadcasting regulator Ofcom to review the BBC’s planned closure of its dedicated Scottish television channel. The Scottish government described the proposal as “wholly unacceptable” and warned that it would reduce the visibility and accessibility of Scottish journalism.

The BBC announced the change as part of measures intended to deliver £500 million in savings by 2028. BBC Scotland would stop operating as a scheduled broadcast television channel in spring 2027, while continuing as a channel on BBC iPlayer. Some programming would also be available on BBC One and BBC Two in Scotland.

In a letter dated 26 October to Ofcom chief executive Melanie Dawes and its director for Scotland, Glenn Preston, McAllan asked the regulator to assess the consequences for Scottish audiences. She argued that the decision should be examined beyond changing viewing habits, including its implications for representation, accessibility, cultural expression and democratic engagement.

A central concern is the future of dedicated Scottish television news. News at Seven would end with the broadcast channel and, according to the Scottish government’s understanding set out in the letter, would not transfer to iPlayer. McAllan said that would represent a significant reduction in nationally relevant journalism rather than simply a change in how existing programmes are distributed.

The BBC Scotland channel began broadcasting in February 2019, carrying Scottish news, sport, documentaries and entertainment. Its planned closure is expected to result in about 10 job losses, in addition to 60 posts BBC Scotland had already announced would be cut earlier in the year. The proposals therefore affect both the service available to viewers and the staff producing it.

BBC Scotland director Hayley Valentine has framed the changes as a response to significant financial challenges, saying resources must be focused where they can have the greatest impact for audiences. The corporation’s wider savings announcement also includes the closure of BBC Three and Radio 4 Extra as linear broadcast services, with content continuing through digital platforms.

The disagreement centres on whether continued online availability adequately replaces a dedicated broadcast outlet. The BBC has said Scottish programmes will remain available through iPlayer and other television channels. The Scottish government argues that retaining some content does not resolve its concerns about the loss of a distinct news service and a visible platform for Scottish audiences.

McAllan also placed the proposal against wider reductions in broadcast and print news provision. Her letter warned that the cumulative effect could diminish Scotland-focused reporting and public-interest content. Those concerns form part of the government’s argument for regulatory scrutiny, rather than an assessment already reached by Ofcom.

The next question is how Ofcom will respond to the request and assess the BBC’s continuing obligations to Scottish audiences. McAllan said the government would welcome engagement with the regulator. The announced timetable points to spring 2027, while the minister’s intervention seeks a review of the consequences before the broadcast channel disappears.