Scottish Media Hit by Wave of Cuts as Industry Struggles

26th September 2025

Scotland’s media industry has been hit by sweeping job losses and programme closures over the past five years, as publishers and broadcasters struggle with falling revenues, rising costs and changing audience habits.

Dundee-based publisher DC Thomson cut around 300 jobs in 2023 and shut several magazine titles, in a bid to save £10m. The company, which owns The Courier and The Press and Journal, said print sales and advertising revenues were in steep decline.

Other major newspapers, including The Herald and The Scotsman, have also reduced editorial staff, with critics warning that specialist reporting has been badly weakened. Local papers across the country have cut reporters or editions, hollowing out coverage of councils and courts.

Broadcasters are facing similar pressures. STV announced this year it would shed 60 jobs and merge its long-running north of Scotland news programme with its central belt equivalent. A single show will be presented from Glasgow, with only short regional “opt-outs” retained.

The move, which still requires Ofcom approval, is expected to save £2.5m annually.

The BBC has also scaled back, scrapping its flagship Scottish news programme The Nine in 2024 after disappointing audience figures. The cut formed part of wider savings across the corporation.

Why the Cuts?
Industry analysts point to a collapse in traditional advertising, much of which has shifted to tech giants like Google and Meta. Print circulation continues to fall, while audiences increasingly consume free online news rather than buy papers or tune into scheduled TV bulletins. Inflation has driven up costs of printing, distribution and staffing, leaving media firms struggling to balance the books.

The changes have sparked warnings about the future of local journalism in Scotland. First Minister John Swinney described STV’s plan as “deeply concerning,” arguing that communities outside the central belt risk being underserved. Media unions have also raised alarm over newsroom job losses and reduced regional coverage.

Experts warn that cuts to journalism weaken democratic accountability. “When local papers close and broadcasters centralise, there are fewer journalists scrutinising councils, courts and institutions,” said one media analyst.

What Next?
Despite the retrenchment, new digital-first outlets and subscription newsletters have begun to emerge, while some community radio and podcast projects are filling gaps in coverage. However, questions remain over whether these ventures can replace the scale and reach of traditional media.

The past five years have left Scotland’s media sector smaller and more fragile. The next five will test whether innovation can revive it — or whether further cuts will leave many communities without a strong local voice.

Cuts and job risk announcements
Reach plc (Daily Record, Edinburgh Live, Scottish Daily Express etc.)
Proposed 321 redundancies; 186 editorial roles being cut; 135 new roles being created under a restructured operation.

STV
Cutting 60 jobs (about 10 % of workforce) as part of cost-saving, consolidating its regional news programmes.

BBC (Scotland & wider UK)
Announced cut of 130 job roles (net; 185 cut, 55 new roles) in its news operations as part of wider savings plan.

Johnston Press (Scottish weekly titles)
About 25 posts under threat across 24 out of 28 Scottish weekly titles.

Scotsman / Scotland on Sunday
20-30 journalist/editorial roles at risk in a restructure at Scotsman Publications.

DC Thomson
300 staff cut (across the business, including magazines etc.) in 2023 to save about £10 million; about one-fifth of its workforce.

Many announcements are prospective (jobs “at risk” or under consultation) not confirmed losses yet.

Some numbers are given for an entire UK business (not just Scotland) or mixed-media operations, so sorting out how many are specifically Scottish is difficult.

Some smaller or local media outlets cut quietly without large announcements; those losses accumulate but are less visible in centralized reporting.

Local Newspapers continue to decline
The John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier

Over the past five years, the John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier, both published by North of Scotland Newspapers (NOSN), have faced significant challenges emblematic of broader trends in the Scottish media landscape.

In September 2025, STV announced plans to cut 60 jobs across its operations, including the potential closure of its regional news bulletin covering the north of Scotland. This move is part of a broader strategy to centralize news production in Glasgow, reflecting the industry's shift towards digital-first models and cost-saving measures. While the John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier are not directly affiliated with STV, such industry-wide changes often influence local media dynamics, potentially leading to shifts in staffing and operational strategies

Adaptation to Digital Platforms

The John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier have increasingly embraced digital platforms to reach their audience. Their shared website serves as a hub for local news, community updates, and public notices, indicating a strategic pivot towards online content delivery. This transition aligns with the broader media industry's response to declining print circulation and advertising revenues.

Community Engagement and Local Coverage

Despite the challenges, the publications continue to serve as vital sources of local news in the Caithness area. Recent articles have covered a range of topics, from concerns over imported labour for local wind projects to the impact of UK government policies on the Highland care sector.

Such coverage underscores the publications' commitment to addressing issues pertinent to their readership.

While specific data on staffing changes at the John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier is limited, the broader trends affecting the Scottish media industry—such as digital transformation, cost-cutting measures, and shifts in audience behaviour suggest that these publications are navigating similar challenges.

Their ongoing adaptation to digital platforms and continued focus on local issues highlight their resilience and commitment to serving the Caithness community.