STV boss defends decision to cut popular programmes
October 21, 2009
Rob Woodward, the controller of STV has said that recent decisions to axe popular shows on the Scottish television channel were made to insure its survival. By not showing a number of ITV shows Woodward claims that he has managed to save between £3 and £5 million. However, this is of very little consolation to fans of shows like Doc Martin, Benidorm and The Bill. The favourites have been replaced with home-made Scottish fare. Benidorm has been replaced by a series concerning a London based undertaker which was made five years ago.
Woodward admits that the channel is perhaps not getting all its decisions right but says that they are learning from their mistakes. ITV claims that STV owes it £38 million in fees and is currently trying to recoup the money through the courts. Woodward admits that the relationship with ITV is a little tense at the moment but claims that the channel does not owe ITV the money.
Woodward goes on to assert that if the channel had not cut its costs during the recession then it would certainly no longer be able to operate. He points out that the channel is not ITV and therefore cannot operate like ITV.
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