STV 'welcomes' Ofcom's review
STV has said that it ‘welcomes’ Ofcom’s review of public service broadcasting but has highlights that the current model is ‘economically unsustainable’ for commercial broadcasters, saying that a new way must be found to deliver this.
The report stated that the biggest change needed is the restructuring of ITV’s regional news services in England and the Scottish Borders.
It also found that the value of ITV1 licenses such as STV will be ‘significantly lower’ than the cost of its current obligations before 2012 and that if ITV wished to continue to be a public service broadcaster, obligations will need to be reduced.
Bobby Hain, managing director of Broadcasting for STV, commented; "We're pleased that the Report highlights the strength of STV's PSB contribution in Scotland, particularly in news, which is highly valued by our viewers. We are also pleased that Ofcom recognises the need for funding and flexibility for STV if we are to continue to provide this much valued service, and that Scotland is different to the English regions.”
Hain continued; "We agree that separate funding is necessary to maintain news at current levels and we will continue to work with Ofcom to identify potential sources of funding. We remain committed to delivering PSB, both in news and non-news, going forward. In 2008 we are over-delivering in non-news and if we can make programming that is commercially successful for us, we will absolutely produce this content."