SMG announces results of 100-day review

MORE Scottish programming on stv has been promised by the chief executive of the station’s parent company, SMG.

After completing a review of the company over his first 100 days in post, Rob Woodward says he is seeking ways to “better serve” the Scottish public with an increase in Scottish content.

At the same time, however, he is hoping for a more flexible arrangement with broadcasting regulators, Ofcom, on how many hours of public service broadcasting SMG is obliged to broadcast each week.

This morning, SMG issued to the Stock Exchange a summary of Woodward’s review, some of which has been previously announced – including plans to float its radio arm, Virgin Radio, and also a streamlining of senior management in the TV division, to comprise a team of three overseeing content, broadcasting and ventures (which includes hiring out the company’s outside broadcasting facilities).

Also, as previously announced, SMG’s outdoor advertising division, Primesight, and cinema advertising arm, Pearl & Dean, are still being considered non-core to the business and therefore still up for sale.