Writers’ union The Writers Guild of Great Britain chairperson Emma Reeves said: “This is devastating news for the writing community, following so soon after the announcement of cuts to Emmerdale and Coronation Street, the axing of BBC’s Doctors last year and the cancellation of Holby before that.”
She added: “While we welcome a commitment from BBC Scotland to invest in new drama production, these changes will result in a significant loss of writing hours – a huge blow to our members who write for River City, to loyal audiences, and another serious erosion of continuing drama which provides a unique talent pipeline into an industry that is currently facing crisis after crisis.
“We are talking to the BBC as a matter of urgency and supporting our members.”
BBC Scotland said today (March 18) that the show would end next autumn after 24 years on the channel.
Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, said the move to end the show next year, after more than two decades, was “short-sighted” and a “disaster for Scottish television.”
Paul Fleming, Equity General Secretary, said: “River City is a well-loved staple of TV schedules. It’s a successful Scottish production which should be celebrated, not decimated.
“Axing River City would have a devastating effect on acting and production roles for Scottish talent.
“There is simply no equivalent to a regular soap for getting your foot in the door of this notoriously cutthroat industry, especially for the many aspiring actors from working class backgrounds.
“The regular opportunities and wages simply do not exist in other show formats.”
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Pam Duncan-Glancy, MSP for Glasgow region, said she was “deeply concerned” about the decision.
“Many people will know and love the show and the actors in it,” she said.
“They’ll also value hugely the fact that it is a specifically Scottish soap opera drama. River City has provided a crucial platform for many Scottish actors and supported people in Glasgow, and across Scotland, to get into the creative industry.
“This would be a blow not just for the people who could lose their jobs, but also for the local economy. Everything that can be done should be done to the save the show.”
She added: “If this decision goes ahead, the £9 million budget for the show must be ringfenced for the production of Scottish drama to protect the jobs of actors and production crew.”
Scottish Labour Culture spokesperson Neil Bibby said “River City is an iconic and popular show.
“The public service broadcaster must be fully transparent and explain the rationale for this decision.
“Everything that can be done should be done to the save the show and ensure Scotland has a soap opera drama.”
