STV clinches global deal on distribution

STV has secured a deal with television distributor DRG to sell the rights to the station's archive of programmes to a worldwide audience.

DRG will exclusively promote STV Productions and Ginger Productions under the newly-created brand name, STV International (STVI).

STVI's 2,000-hour programme catalogue includes Britain's longest-running primetime crime drama, Taggart, the Rebus series, and factual programmes such as the recently-commissioned Walking the Amazon for Discovery and Channel Five. The deal with DRG includes a co-funding and development partnership between the two companies.

Alan Clements, director of content at STV, said DRG had a proven track record for building UK-born programming into global brands.

Jeremy Fox, chief executive at DRG, added: "STV is a centre of creative excellence in Scotland and we have always admired the team's work, especially its dramas such as Taggart. It also created a compelling slate of new programmes which we're looking forward to help bring to air worldwide."

DRG has more than 3,000 global content buyers.