OFCOM PROPOSALS PUT FUTURE OF STV IN DOUBT - LIB DEMS

4.30.00pm GMT Wed 21st Jan 2009

Ofcom's Public Service Broadcasting Review has failed to secure the long-term future of STV, according to Scottish Liberal Democrat Culture Spokesperson and North East Fife MSP Iain Smith.

Mr Smith believes that national and regional programming will fail to survive if Ofcom refuses to order the break-up of ITV plc.

Commenting, Mr Smith said:

"Ofcom's report has sounded a death knell for STV.

"It is difficult to see how any meaningful national or regional programming can survive if Ofcom refuses to recognise the elephant in the room by not ordering the break-up of ITV plc. This will not restore regional competition in the ITV network.

"In the long term it is difficult to see how STV can survive against an ITV franchise which has a virtual monopoly of what programmes are commissioned and shown on Channel 3.

"Scottish viewers want a strong and vibrant STV to provide effective competition to the BBC. It would seem that rather than 'putting viewers first', Ofcom's has put the interests of ITV shareholders first."

Ends.