NEW LEADERSHIP FOR STV NEWS

RNS Number : 5883D

STV Group PLC

10 October 2018

 

PRESS RELEASE                 PRESS RELEASE                 PRESS RELEASE

NEW LEADERSHIP FOR STV NEWS

10 October 2018

Steven Ladurantaye has been appointed Head of News and Current Affairs to lead the news organisation and deliver the transformation programme designed to ensure STV News secures its leading position across all platforms in future.  Ladurantaye's significant experience in news media spans print, radio, digital and social, and television.

Ladurantaye joins STV from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) where he was Managing Editor, responsible for the journalism and newsroom operations of Canada's largest public service broadcast news service.  At CBC Ladurantaye oversaw the restructuring of the organisation's digital news operations and was involved in the redevelopment of the corporation's flagship television and radio programmes.

Prior to CBC, Ladurantaye was Global Chair of News at Twitter Inc., working with news organisations around the world, including the UK, to develop their digital strategies incorporating Twitter's platform.

Ladurantaye's early career was built in print media across a range of Canadian publications including the Globe and Mail (Media Reporter), the Kingston Whig and Peterborough Examiner (City Editor) and the Ottawa Business Journal (Managing Editor).

Linda Grimes is appointed Editor, Broadcast Output.  Grimes has a long-standing career with STV News having successfully undertaken a range of journalistic and production roles. Most recently she was Editor, News Output, STV News Central.

David Milne becomes Editor, Digital Output.  Since joining STV, Milne has held a number of positions developing and influencing STV's digital publishing products and platforms.  Prior to STV, Milne was Group Digital Editor with the Herald and Times group.

Donald John MacDonald will continue to lead STV North's editorial output as Editor, STV North, and Sam Dornan will continue to hold responsibility for all aspects of technical operations and support to STV News. A selection process for the new role of Editor, Originations is currently underway and will conclude shortly.

Additionally, STV News is creating an Editorial Board which will be chaired by STV News anchor John MacKay. As one of the most senior journalists within the STV News team, MacKay will bring his considerable experience of STV News and a strong connection with its audience to lead a regular review and evaluation of all aspects of output.  The Editorial Board will meet monthly and will be comprised of representatives from across STV News and the wider organisation.

All appointments will be effective from 1 November 2018.

Bobby Hain, Managing Director, Broadcast, said: "I am delighted to be announcing further details of the team that will lead STV News as we implement our new organisation.  We have undertaken an ambitious and extensive change programme, investing in the development of our journalists and technical teams to ensure that STV News will be in the strongest position to meet the needs of a growing digital audience. 

"As Head of STV News, Steven Ladurantaye will bring extensive experience of delivering the changes that we are introducing combined with a strong public service broadcast background and passion for journalism. I look forward to working with Steven as he makes a key contribution to the next chapter of STV News.

"The newly created editorial board will ensure our content maintains its high quality and is distinctive and relevant securing our leading position across all platforms. This will be chaired by John MacKay who, in addition to being widely recognised by journalists across Scotland as a leader in his profession, represents the embodiment of the values of STV News."

Steven Ladurantaye said: "STV News is an industry leader at a pivotal time. I'm so excited to build on the work already done and to ensure STV News finds its audience on whichever screen they favour."

Ends

For further information, please contact the STV press office:- 

Anna Hendry

0141 300 3830

[e-mail] 

Katie Martin

0141 300 3109

[e-mail] 

NOTES TO EDITORS

About STV

STV is Scotland's leading digital media brand, providing consumers with quality content on air, online and on demand. 

STV's broadcast channel reaches 3.5 million viewers each month with first class programming including soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street, big drama productions, entertainment hits The X Factor and Britain's Got Talent, strong home-grown productions and the most comprehensive local news service in the UK. 

STV Productions is one of the UK's leading content businesses with ambitious plans for domestic and international growth. The company has a record of success across a range of genres, including drama, entertainment and factual, producing programmes for a variety of broadcasters. Highlights include entertainment show Catchphrase for ITV, ratings winner Antiques Road Trip for BBC One and documentaries Britain's Polar Bear Cub for Channel 4, Ross Kemp Behind Bars - Inside Barlinnie for ITV and Prison: First & Last 24 Hours for Sky1. In drama, four part thriller The Victim is due for transmission on BBC One, and STV Productions has announced a second BBC commission - 90 minute drama Elizabeth is Missing.

STV's digital business incorporates Scotland's most popular commercial media website, stv.tv, and includes an enhanced digital news app serving consumers local, national and international news as well as features, sport and weather in one place.  The STV Player offers consumers within STV's licence areas in Scotland the opportunity to enjoy programmes live or on catch-up.

STV content is available across platforms including iOS, Android, YouView and Samsung Smart TV.

 

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