STV denies Rangers FC deal will lead to bias news coverage towards club
After agreeing a commercial deal with Rangers Football Club, broadcaster STV has denied claims that it could lead to impartial news coverage of the club's affairs.
The two companies have agreed ‘to explore opportunities’ online as well as commercial prospects, including content development and brand opportunities, beginning with live coverage of tonight’s Old Firm march online, promoted by stv.tv, but broadcast on RangersTV.
Earlier this year Rangers FC withdrew co-operation with the BBC following a documentary on the business activities of the club’s new owner Craig Whyte.
A spokesperson for STV told The Drum that the deal was purely commercial and stated that the broadcaster would remain impartial when covering Rangers stories.
In announcing the deal, Bobby Hain, director of channels at STV, said: “We are delighted to be working with Rangers Football Club in the online area and believe that this arrangement will be hugely beneficial to both parties. As STV's unrivalled reach and impact continues to expand across all platforms, we aim to work with a wide range of football and sporting organisations, creating opportunities for them to promote their brand in innovative ways."