STV sees improvement in regional ad revenue

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 | By Camille Alarcon

In a trading update ahead of the release of its interim results on August 27, STV says ad revenues remain in line with expectations, falling 12% in the second quarter and falling 19% in the first half.

The broadcaster claims that its strategy of increased peak time programme opt-outs from the ITV network schedule is delivering further savings while at the same time boosting its Scottish audience.

On the Government’s Digital Britain report, STV says it is “encouraged” by the proposals which include the future funding of regional news services.

Meanwhile, it says Setanta’s Great Britain business going into administration means that its potential bad debt exposure is limited to £0.2m.

Rob Woodward, STV chief executive, says: “Whilst we continue to operate in a very challenging economic climate, our efficiency improvements and cost reduction activities are helping to mitigate the worst effects of the economic downturn.”