I just don't see it, at least with Channel there was a money spinner to that business, what is there for ITV, nothing with a lot of overhead in local news.
There would be political implications in both Scotland and Northern Ireland if this were to happen. That said, is there anything either parliament could do to stop it?
All the signs are that ITV was primarily interested in Channel because of its compliance business - the further rationalisation of C3 was just a side-issue - and so I don't think any moves for STV and UTV are any more likely today than they were a week ago or a month ago.
Broadcasting is a reserved matter so while the Scottish Government or the NI Executive may well have a view, it is not a matter they have any control over.
I can't imagine any move by ITVplc for STV or UTV being blocked on competition grounds by the Competition Commission. The question is what guarantees they would give to appease any political concern.
:-(
A former member
I think there more chance that ITV may think its not worth the hassle, trouble etc to try and buy the compaines. ITV brought out Channel not so much noise. ITV tries buys out STV or UTV and you Nor ITV and SNP/ NI Government will never hear end of it.
Its just something that ITV does not need to deal with especial IF ofcom get its change the licences
I personally still think in order to survive STV and UTV need to either merge with someone else or each other.
STV just now seem to be organically growing with digital media being a big focus. They need to start buying! A few indie production companies I think.
Or if they really want to get rid of ITV plc, buy a stake in ITN plc from one of the other owners. ITV plc are gagging to get hold of ITN full stop but other owners don't want to sell to them. But they might sell to someone else, here comes STV plc!
I know STV have did this before and look where it got them but IMO STV should have never sold the likes of Virgin Radio and there stake in Scottish Radio Holdings. Having a foot in with radio is a must for small TV companies like STV.
Look at UTV with the likes of TalkSport and there local stations. That's where they are making the money.
:-(
A former member
If you pop along to the reception area of STV you will see far more than a few indie production hold space in the office block. I think there about 10-20 odd. So very easy to speak to
I have to agree with you about the radio holdings it could have cuts cost by using STV newsroom to provide the news for the radio stations.
Nice little intro package, and I like the seating on the new set. Wish they had a studio with a suitably high ceiling to not have the lighting grid in the frame on the wide shots - c'est la vie.
Nice little intro package, and I like the seating on the new set. Wish they had a studio with a suitably high ceiling to not have the lighting grid in the frame on the wide shots - c'est la vie.
That looks very nice! Interesting to see if it turns out that way on screen, or if the format works...
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A former member
http://www2.tv-ark.org.uk/itv_scotland/idents2.html Good amount of new clips added and at last Details have been correct and now most upto day for the 85 - 00 page. Gold I say especial the Close-down from 1987 from Maggi Lavender, 24 years at least with STV! also WHO is that rather polite young woman form 1988 in yellow.
I believe Stv and Gtv are still in the process of updating so keep checking
A friend's just linked me to this old Grampian closedown - 'Perhaps the world's most depressing news bulletin, followed up with the punchline "if you're on your own tonight, we hope we've been good company"'.
