STV's scheduled Scottish election coverage is set to be replaced by an episode of The Chase as journalists prepare to go on strike.
Last month, journalists and technical staff at STV called a one-day strike for Friday, the day votes are counted for the Scottish elections.
The strike was called amid an ongoing dispute over management's refusal to put forward any pay award for 2026 or agree principles of any compensatory pay award for 2027.
The 0% pay offer comes after STV launched a new radio station at the cost of £500,000 in 2025.
The strike was timed to affect coverage of the Holyrood elections, as results will come in on Friday due to there being no overnight count.
The broadcaster's coverage of the Scottish elections, which was initially scheduled to start from 5pm, has now been replaced by an episode of popular game show The Chase.
All programmes scheduled for Friday come from ITV in England, with the exception of a 30-minute programme titled "Sean's Scotland" at 6pm, in which STV weather presenter Sean Batty travels to the Borders and does various activities, including going on an alpaca trek.
Nick McGowan-Lowe, NUJ Scotland organiser, said: “It's frustrating that due to the stubbornness of STV management, on the biggest news day in Scotland for years, Scottish viewers, listeners and readers won't be able to hear what some of the most well-respected journalists, reporters and producers in Scottish broadcasting have to say.
"Our members would much rather be reporting the election results than standing on picket lines, but they have been driven to this action by management’s indifference as to how overworked and underpaid they are."
McGowan-Lowe added: “CEO Rufus Radcliffe has once again failed to grasp the opportunity to end this dispute, and it is personally embarrassing for him that STV will be broadcasting reruns instead of the biggest news story in Scotland.”
An STV spokesperson said: “We recognise a temporary salary freeze is challenging for colleagues, but we’ve had to take a range of measures to respond to the market conditions facing the media sector.
"Returning the business to a strong financial footing is our priority and will protect the long-term interests of our colleagues.
"We are disappointed that the unions’ chosen day of action will impact our on-air audiences and we remain committed to continuing the dialogue with the joint unions."
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