The new proposals still mean the end of an entirely separate news service for the north – the legacy of the former Grampian Television – and the studio presentation of all news programmes will come from Glasgow.
But they retain some separate provision for northern viewers.
Most of the main 18:00 news programme would be shown in both central and northern Scotland and include stories from across Scotland of national interest. But about a third of the programme seen by viewers in the north would be different so would focus on local and regional stories. This also means that viewers in the central belt would also continue to see some stories of purely regional interest
The news bulletins at lunchtime and in the late evening would be shown across central and northern Scotland too.
The “sub regional opts”, which provide separate local news for the Tayside and Edinburgh areas, would end.
Ofcom said: “We believe STV’s proposal would ensure that audiences continue to receive high-quality regional news on a sustainable basis.”
STV said it welcomed Ofcom’s consultation on the revised proposals.
The consultation runs until 9 February with a decision likely soon afterwards.
This could lead the way to the changes on-screen taking place around Easter or early spring.
Chief executive Rufus Radcliffe said: “We have had valuable ongoing dialogue with Ofcom and considered very carefully the changes we need to put in place, and we are pleased the regulator proposes to accept this plan.
“The model presented will enable the continued delivery of high-quality news that we are proud of and will see STV realise its digital news ambitions, serving viewers across Scotland.”
Mr Radcliffe added: “Businesses cannot stand still when their industry is changing and when consumers are changing their behaviour fundamentally and at pace.
“Viewing habits have transformed and we must adapt and provide the services that people demand, and ensure that we are a future-facing, commercially sustainable business.”