STV to launch HD by World Cup

Scottish broadcaster STV will launch a HD service in time for this June’s World Cup tournament.

The broadcaster said today that positive signs in the UK TV ad market meant it could free up investment to launch a HD service, which is expected to be available via Freeview and Virgin Media.

STV predicted that the UK TV ad market would be up by between 10% and 20% on the previous year in June. It said it expects TV ad revenue to be up 21% year-on-year in April and 23% in May.

The Scottish broadcaster today sold its loss-making cinema advertising business Pearl & Dean for £1 (€1.15).