Usage of the STV Player on Sky trebles as a result of a nationwide rollout, as STV reports surge in viewing.
According to the Scottish broadcaster’s annual results, in 2020 online viewing increased by 68% overall, with a 50% increase in monthly active users. Further growth has been reported during the first weeks of 2021, with a 83% growth rate recorded for the year to date. STV Player-exclusive content now accounts for a third of all streams and 8 out of the top 15 shows on the service.
The STV Player now available on all major platforms UK-wide, and pre-installed in around 70% of the UK’s connected TV homes.
Meanwhile, viewers of STV’s main channel 3 service in central and northern Scotland, is up 14%, with an all-time viewing share of 19.2%. This means STV is still the most watched channel in Scotland during peak hours, ahead of BBC One Scotland.
STV News at Six has benefitted from the pandemic with the programme recording its highest ever average audience and viewing share.
About STV
Originally known as ‘Scottish Television’, STV Group holds the channel 3 licence to broadcast across Scotland, with the exception of those areas covered by the Border TV region. The company bought out Grampian TV in 1997. STV has an agreement with ITV to carry its programmes in its licence areas, including catch-up TV.
Through its online service, the STV Player, the broadcaster is now actively targeting viewers in the rest of the country for the first time. To do this, it has been increasing the amount of unique content available on the Player, including drama and sport. The company also has a growing production arm, which produces programmes such as Antiques Road Trip and Murder Island for other broadcasters. As part of a structural turnaround scheme, STV jettisoned its local TV service STV2 and cut headcount in its news division.