STV will outline an ambitious and bold vision for the shape of television news coverage in Scotland on Friday. 

As part of a news session at the Royal Television Society conference in Cambridge, STV’s Chief Executive Rob Woodward will pitch the idea for a new one hour integrated news programme at 6pm for Scotland, which will build on the success of STV’s existing and highly popular news service.

Incorporating international, UK-wide, Scottish and local news, this expansive new programme would be produced by STV in partnership with ITN.  Building on the existing strengths of both organisations, this proposal would be a significant addition to consumer choice, offering coverage that is more relevant for viewers in Scotland.

The programme would run between 6pm and 7pm and would see viewers in Scotland receive a Scottish perspective on international and UK stories from ITN correspondents across the world and the UK; as well as national Scottish news, and extended local bulletins for the news from their area – all contextualised for the audience.

As part of their wider existing news output, STV currently provides four local bulletins which are frequently the highest rated sections of the main programmes. 

This new proposal would offer more local coverage, extending the length of these bulletins and adding an extra two bulletins: one for the Inverness and Highlands and one for the Borders region, which would require agreement from ITV plc, in addition to the existing micro regional programmes in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and Aberdeen.

It is envisaged that an STV news hour would add new layers of editorial content and real viewer choice, further differentiating STV from BBC Scotland. 

Both Ofcom and DCMS have recognised the need for public funding for news going forward and the Digital Britain report outlined a proposal for Independently Funded News Consortia. 

STV will participate fully in any bid for contestable funding and views the creation of a news hour for Scotland as a viable, credible and ambitious project which would ultimately better serve viewers in a digital age. 

Commenting on this new proposal, Rob Woodward, CEO of STV plc, said: "The media landscape has changed dramatically and it is vital that we innovate, enhance and expand our vision.  Our proposal offers viewers something that is new and exciting and, through technological innovation, relevant for a 21st century devolved Scotland.

"Our proposal would ultimately increase consumer choice and would provide a strong alternative to the BBC, increasing the plurality of news provision across Scotland."

Bobby Hain, MD of Broadcasting at STV added: "This is a bold, innovative and forward thinking proposal and is the next sensible step forward for Scottish news.  STV’s unique news service is highly valued by viewers in Scotland and has seen a rise in audience share over the past five years.  

"We aim to build on this and believe that we are well placed to provide this unique new service, in terms of our profile, infrastructure, resources and expertise, working in conjunction with ITN who would bring outstanding international experience."