See commentator listings for today's matches.
Listen to the Scottish Cup on STV Radio: Ewen Cameron and Ronnie Charters Preview the Action on 17 January 2026
As Scottish football fans gear up for an exhilarating fourth round of the Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup on Saturday, 17 January 2026, with a 14:00 UK kick-off for select ties, STV Radio stands out as a prime destination for comprehensive coverage. While major British channels like BBC Scotland and Premier Sports dominate TV screens with live broadcasts of key matches such as Dunfermline Athletic v Hibernian at 12:30pm and Heart of Midlothian v Falkirk at 8pm, STV Radio's The STV Radio Football Show, hosted by the dynamic duo of Ewen Cameron and co-presenter Ronnie Charters, offers unparalleled radio insight and banter for listeners across Scotland[1][3]. Tuning into STV Radio at 14:00 UK time provides the perfect companion to the televised action, delivering real-time commentary, analysis, and unfiltered takes on the day's drama without the need for a TV subscription.
STV Radio has long been a cornerstone for Scottish sports enthusiasts, particularly when it comes to cup competitions where passion runs high. Unlike the visual spectacle on BBC Scotland, which will air Dunfermline v Hibs from East End Park, or Premier Sports covering Hearts v Falkirk at Tynecastle, radio brings the atmosphere alive through vivid descriptions and expert punditry. The STV Radio Football Show is sponsored by CR Smith and available on the STV Player, podcasts, and traditional radio waves, making it accessible to everyone from casual fans in Glasgow to die-hard supporters in the Highlands[3]. On this matchday, expect Cameron and Charters to dissect the televised games while shining a light on non-televised clashes, ensuring no Scottish Cup moment goes unnoticed.
Ewen Cameron, the charismatic presenter of The STV Radio Football Show, brings decades of experience to the microphone. A veteran broadcaster with deep roots in Scottish media, Cameron has covered countless matches for STV and radio outlets, earning a reputation for his sharp wit and encyclopedic knowledge of the game. His career highlights include live commentary on major SPFL fixtures and cup ties, where his engaging style has captivated audiences for over 30 years. Cameron's ability to blend humour with incisive analysis makes him a fan favourite, often drawing comparisons to legendary commentators like Angus Loughran for his passion for lower-league stories[3].
Joining him is Ronnie Charters, the seasoned co-presenter whose football credentials are impeccable. Charters enjoyed a distinguished playing career in the Scottish leagues during the 1970s and 1980s, turning out for clubs like Heart of Midlothian, where he honed his tactical understanding on Tynecastle's hallowed turf. Post-retirement, he transitioned seamlessly into punditry and coaching, offering insights that stem from firsthand experience. Charters' no-nonsense opinions on air have made him a staple of Scottish football discourse, frequently appearing on STV panels and radio shows to roast poor tactics and celebrate glorious moments[3]. Together, Cameron and Charters form a formidable partnership, delivering weekly episodes that recap weekends of glory, gaffes, and grumbles with unfiltered banter.
The Scottish Cup fourth round on 17 January 2026 promises fireworks, starting with Rangers v Annan Athletic the previous evening at Ibrox on Premier Sports, setting the tone for underdog tales[1]. Saturday's lineup features Dunfermline Athletic hosting Hibernian at 12:30pm on BBC Scotland, a clash where Championship ambition meets Premiership pedigree at KDM Group East End Park. Later, Hearts welcome Falkirk at 8pm, live on Premier Sports, a tie rich with history as both clubs boast fervent support in the capital[1][2]. Sunday brings Aberdeen v Raith Rovers at Pittodrie on BBC One Scotland and the blockbuster Auchinleck Talbot v Celtic at Rugby Park on Premier Sports, relocated due to policing advice—a decision that underscores the competition's growing stature[1].
For those unable to watch on TV, STV Radio fills the gap masterfully. The STV Radio Football Show at 14:00 UK time aligns perfectly with the afternoon kick-offs, allowing listeners to follow the action as it unfolds. Imagine settling into your armchair in Edinburgh or driving through the Trossachs, with Cameron's voice painting pictures of goals, saves, and controversial calls. The show's podcast format ensures you can catch up later via the STV Player, where past episodes delve into SPFL highlights and Premier Sports Cup recaps[2][3]. This radio coverage complements the TV rights landscape, where BBC and Premier Sports hold the broadcast gems, but STV Radio captures the pulse of the nation.
Background on the Scottish Cup reveals why this competition captivates British audiences. Dating back to 1873, it is the world's oldest national cup tournament still in operation, famous for giant-killings like Auchinleck Talbot's potential upset against Celtic. The fourth round often delivers the magic, with non-league sides dreaming big against giants. TV selections by the Scottish FA prioritise marquee matches, but radio like STV's ensures grassroots games get airtime too[1]. Pundits like Charters, with his Hearts heritage, add authenticity when previewing Tynecastle showdowns.
Cameron's broadcasting journey began in local radio before ascending to national platforms, where he covered iconic moments such as Celtic's unbeaten domestic treble season. His rapport with Charters, forged over years of collaboration, mirrors the camaraderie of great double acts like Ally McCoist and Graeme Souness on Sky Sports. Listeners tune in not just for scores but for the laughs—roasting dodgy defending or debating VAR decisions with the candour only radio allows[3].
Charters' playing days at Hearts overlapped with the club's golden eras, including European adventures. After hanging up his boots, he coached youth teams and transitioned to media, becoming a trusted voice on STV. His analysis often highlights midfield battles, drawing from battles against legends like Kenny Dalglish. In today's media-saturated world, their show stands out for its raw, unscripted feel, available until December 2026 on STV Player[3].
As the 14:00 UK time slot beckons, STV Radio positions itself as essential listening amid the TV frenzy. BBC Scotland's coverage of Dunfermline v Hibs offers family viewing, while Premier Sports' Hearts game appeals to late-night thrill-seekers. Yet, for immersive, portable football, nothing beats Cameron and Charters. Their show recaps recent SPFL drama, like Falkirk v Celtic, priming fans for cup fever[2].
Scottish football's charm lies in its unpredictability—the Scottish Cup embodies this, from Ibrox heroics to Rugby Park relocations. STV Radio enhances this by democratising access; no paywall, just pure passion. For British readers in Manchester or London craving home comforts, stream via STV Player for a taste of Scotland's soul.
Explore more on the Scottish FA's Scottish Cup page for full fixtures, delve into STV's broadcasting history, or check BBC Sport's Scottish Cup hub for TV details. Whether you're backing Hibs' revenge or Falkirk's fairy tale, tune into STV Radio at 14:00 on 17 January 2026—Ewen Cameron and Ronnie Charters await to guide you through the madness.
This coverage underscores STV's commitment to Scottish sport, blending legacy presenters with modern streaming. As cup ties ignite rivalries, their voices will echo the excitement, making every goal feel personal. Don't miss it—radio remains football's most intimate medium.
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