The BBC announced on March 18 2025 that they were cancelling the continuing drama River City. This was devastating news for the writing community in Scotland, resulting 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 (read our response).
Following the news, WGGB worked with the BBC to mitigate the impact on writers, and the broadcaster has since launched a development programme aimed at affected writers, with future opportunities on a Scottish returning drama.
Our members got involved in our campaign to Save River City in a number of ways
- They signed a petition set up by our sister union Equity, calling on the BBC to Save River City.
- They wrote to their MP (especially those representing a Scottish constituency) to raise their concerns about the loss of River City.
- Members joined the campaign on social media
- Our Casework Team supported members affected by the closure
The last episode of River City was broadcast in August 2026.
During the campaign, the issue was raised in the Scottish Parliament. Following a question from Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP on 19 March 2025, Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson called on the BBC to meet with Equity, Bectu and the WGGB to discuss River City. Watch the video:
Following a question from Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson called on the BBC to meet with Equity, BECTU and the Writers’ Guild to discuss River City. pic.twitter.com/nJNaieVMLx
— Equity (@EquityUK) March 19, 2025