STV boss hails return of Catchphrase quiz show

Classic game show Catchphrase is back on ITV. Picture: Contributed

STV chief executive Rob Woodward hailed “very strong ratings” from the revival of quiz show Catchphrase but warned that advertising revenues for the full year would likely remain flat despite a 3 per cent increase in the first quarter.

Woodward told the firm’s AGM in Glasgow that STV had made a positive start to 2013 with growth in its production business.

The business has been buoyed by the return of show Catchphrase – with new host Stephen Mulhern – which trailed only the Grand National in the weekend ratings figures when it first aired earlier this month.

Woodward said: “We are delighted about the very strong ratings being achieved by Catchphrase, our latest commission from ITV.”

The programme has averaged 5.4 million viewers across the three episodes broadcast so far, representing a near-26 per cent share of the viewing market. STV is seeking to broaden its business as traditional revenues from selling on-air advertising decline.