STAFF at STV have walked out of the broadcaster's headquarters in Glasgow after the announcement of 59 job losses and the closure of the STV2 channel.

The broadcaster said it had taken the "difficult decision" to close the channel, with 25 jobs affected, as STV's content investment shifts online, as part of a three-year restructuring plan.

It has also launched a News 2020 change programme which will deliver savings of £1 million per year, with 34 job losses.

Protesting the move, staff at the broadcaster refused to work and walked out of its headquarters.

STV has said its "growth strategy" aims to establish the producer-broadcaster as Scotland's "home of news and entertainment".

The broadcaster said the decision to close STV2 at the end of June reflects the challenging economics of local television and anticipated new competition from BBC Scotland.

Simon Pitts, STV chief executive, has said: "This is a positive vision for STV that will re-establish the company as a creative force in Scotland and beyond.

"We will invest in creative talent, new original programming and digital to ensure STV becomes Scotland's home of news and entertainment and delivers long-term value for advertisers, shareholders and viewers alike."

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