Scottish broadcaster STV has announced that it will launch a high-definition TV service in time for the World Cup.
The company says that improved ad sales have allowed it to commit to a high definition service which should be available on Freeview HD and Virgin Media’s cable service from June, though it probably won’t be available on Sky until later.
The announcement came at the company’s AGM, where it was also revealed that despite ongoing disputes with ITV regarding media rights and airtime sales, it expects ad revenue to be up 21 per cent year on year in April, and up 23 per cent in May.
STV sold off its loss-making Pearl & Dean cinema advertising business this week for a token sum of £1, but executives at the meeting heard that it expects the total UK TV advertising market grow between 10-20 per cent in June.