BBC Scotland linear channel closure will 'leave viewers behind'
The Scottish Greens said the channel being exclusively shown on BBC iPlayer from Spring 2027 - with 10 job losses - was “a backwards step” which “reflects a wider cultural crisis”.
The BBC Scotland linear channel closure “risks leaving viewers behind”, the corporation has been warned.
The Scottish Greens said the channel being exclusively shown on BBC iPlayer from Spring 2027 - with 10 job losses - was “a backwards step” which “reflects a wider cultural crisis”.
The Scottish Government said the decision was “wholly unacceptable”.
Tory Shadow Scots Secretary Harriet Cross urged the Scottish Government to “protect” Scottish TV jobs after the announcement.
The BBC also confirmed that Reporting Scotland: News at Seven will not move to BBC iPlayer and will cease when the linear channel closes.
In a statement, SNP Culture Secretary Mairi McAllan said she would take her complaints to media regulator Ofcom.
“The proposal to close the BBC Scotland channel is wholly unacceptable and the Scottish Government opposes it in the strongest possible terms,” she said.
“This represents a significant blow to our media landscape and is the latest example of a long-standing pattern of BBC underinvestment in Scotland, raising 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.
“I have set this out directly with the BBC Scotland director and will engage with Ofcom to make clear the significant concerns this proposal raises.”
Scottish Greens culture spokesperson Q Manivannan said: “This is a serious blow for Scotland’s media and my solidarity is with all of the BBC workers who will be impacted by it.
“It is a backwards step that risks leaving viewers behind, and reflects a wider cultural crisis in Scotland. Moving away from a traditional TV channel will only make BBC Scotland less accessible, particularly for older people and those who face barriers to getting online.
“Not everyone has reliable internet access, the right devices or the confidence to navigate digital services. Public broadcasting should be available to everyone, not just those who are digitally connected.
“BBC Scotland has been home to excellent Scottish programming and a launchpad for a lot of creative talent. We should be expanding access to Scottish stories and culture, not putting up new barriers.
“There remains a significant gap between the BBC’s license fee income in Scotland and BBC’s identified spend in our country.
“License fee payers here need guarantees that money raised in Scotland is spent in Scotland. A move to iPlayer cannot become cover for a smaller Scottish office, and channels like BBC Alba need support to ensure their survival.
“There are big challenges facing the BBC, and there have already been cuts which have been felt.
"The Scottish Greens are ready to support the Scottish Government in advocating for the protection of Scotland’s broadcasting sector, particularly in its conversations with Westminster about the BBC’s Charter renewal next year.
“At a time when Scotland’s media is already under pressure, we need to protect inclusive, accessible public broadcasting."
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Shadow Scottish Secretary Harriet Cross said: “The closure of the BBC Scotland channel will come as a blow to staff, TV crews and production companies who all worked on the network.
“Just a few months after the closure of STV North’s news bulletins, this announcement marks further cuts to Scottish programming.
“The channel often explored subject matters from rural parts of Scotland that otherwise wouldn’t have been shown on the main channel.
“However, with fewer Scots watching linear TV, the BBC must provide best value for money that reflects the interests of viewers.
“The onus is now on the Scottish Government to actively work with the BBC to ensure Scottish TV production is protected from any further cuts.”
As part of the changes, BBC Two in Scotland will be reconfigured to enable the BBC to deliver Scotland-only programming. This will be alongside BBC One Scotland, where Scottish programming already forms an important part of the schedule including Scotland’s Home of the Year; our award-winning investigative series Disclosure; Murder Case; Inside Barlinnie; Scottish Cup Final and Hogmanay.
BBC Two in Scotland will become the new home for the broadcaster’s SPFL Championship on Friday evenings.
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