At no point did STV transmit more than the permitted level of commercials. This issue relates to the duration of centre breaks, where STV broadcasts trailers and station promotions, not commercial advertisements, to accommodate a longer break time elsewhere on our network.
Had STV aired more than the stipulated amount of advertising (3 minutes, 30 seconds), this would have resulted in a significantly different breach altogether. We accept Ofcom’s ruling on what it acknowledges to be a very complex issue and believe it is important that the facts are made clear.
Bobby Hain
STV
Pacific Quay
Glasgow