STV chiefs under fire after snubbing Holyrood appearance

MSPs have hit out after the chair of the broadcaster and its major shareholder snubbed a request to appear before them to explain swingeing cutbacks.
STV's headquarters in GlasgowSTV's headquarters in Glasgow
STV's headquarters in Glasgow

Baroness Ford, the chair of the broadcaster, last night declined to appear before Holyrood's culture committee to answer questions about job losses, the closure of STV2 and the strategic review of the broadcaster.

Leading shareholder Crystal Amber has also rejected a request to give evidence, while the committee says it has been "rebuffed" by STV in its request for a copy of the channel’s review strategy document. Chief Executive Simon Pitts said during an evidence session earlier this month that he would consider a request to share the document , but now claims |"commercial responsibilities" prevent this being provided.

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“I’m also unimpressed by the refusal of Crystal Amber to appear before our committee, as it was clear from earlier evidence that these were strategic decisions made by the board.

“Crystal Amber calls itself an "active investor" meaning as the largest shareholder it is very much involved in the direction of the company.

“These cumulative refusals make it imperative that the chair of the board, Baroness Ford, reconsiders our invitation to appear before MSPs on 28 June.”

Deputy Convener, Claire Baker said: “Questions still remain to be answered by STV on the cuts to its news service in Scotland. Our cross-party committee would expect the board of STV to recognise the importance of our invitation to give further evidence.”