A HALF-hour news service for the East Central Scotland, broadcasting from Edinburgh, is to be launched by STV, as a pilot.
Lasting six months, the pilot is to be launched within the next few months, and will mean – as far as STV Central’s 6pm news broadcasting is concerned – simultaneous programmes from both Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Currently, STV Central’s Scotland news bulletin is broadcast from Glasgow, with east/west opt-outs lasting a few minutes taking place during the course of the programme. Meanwhile, STV North’s news output from Aberdeen will be unaffected, including its Dundee opt-out.
The pilot will also include an Edinburgh-based news update at 10.30pm, again separate from the current Glasgow one. It means too a greater emphasis on West Central Scotland news for the Glasgow-based 6pm and 10.30pm bulletins.
In a statement issued by STV, Bobby Hain, director of Channels, is quoted, saying: “We are excited by the increased focus on local TV services and the opportunities presented by digital technology to deliver this. Based on the success of our micro-regional news bulletins and the early success of STV Local, we believe this service will enable us to continue to strengthen our relationship with our audiences through providing high quality and locally focused services.”
