BBC Scotland has announced that it is scrapping The Nine amid a series of changes to its news and current affairs services.

According to figures released on January 8, The Nine only reached 8200 viewers on its most successful day.

The BBC also confirmed it would be “regularly extending Reporting Scotland on BBC One for a number of hour-long special editions”.

In a statement on social media, the BBC said the changes include “launching a new 30 minute news programme at 7pm on BBC Scotland” and that this will replace The Nine.

It added that the new programme “will follow Reporting Scotland at 6.30pm on BBC One Scotland and will have coverage from across Scotland, the UK and the world (subject to Ofcom approval”.

The statement added that BBC Scotland will also be “launching a new topical current affairs series which will be published as a podcast on BBC Sounds and also be available to audiences on BBC iPlayer, BBC Scotland channel and BBC One Scotland”.

“We’re planning to run this four times a week this year,” the BBC said.

It also provided an update on Debate Night, which it said would be given more episodes.

“Regularly extending Reporting Scotland on BBC One for a number of hour-long special editions across the year and extending the series run of Debate Night, increasing this year from 24 to 30 episodes,” the statement said.

It also added that it would be “increasing the frequency of ‘live’ online reporting and explanatory articles on the News website and News app as part of our overall strategy to strengthen our online news offer”.

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Head of news and current affairs Gary Smith said: “It’s going to be a busy year for news with a UK election, an American election and Scotland’s trip to Germany for the Euros.

“We need to make sure we keep changing our output as audience habits change, so that we provide the best possible service for our audiences in the formats and on the platforms they want.”

Reacting to the news on Twitter/X, Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said: "Extremely disappointing BBC decision to downgrade news output in Scotland. 
The National:

"Decision runs counter to growing success of screen and TV sector in Scotland. I am seeking earliest possible meetings with BBC director-general Tim Davie and @Ofcom to discuss. 

"BBC Scotland are currently obliged by Ofcom to deliver 250 yearly hours of news content. The planned BBC cuts would reduce this to 150 hours, and are subject to consultation by and approval of the BBC's regulator @Ofcom."