DRG, STV create STV International

UK-based distributor DRG will take Scottish broadcaster STV’s programmes to the international market under the new brand name STV International.

DRG has grabbed rights to STV programming which were previously held by distributor Target Entertainment.

STV International will now represent 2,000 hours of STV Productions’ and its sister prodco Ginger Productions’ programming, including the UK’s longest-running primetime crime drama Taggart. The cop drama launched a 27th season on UK commercial broadcaster ITV last night.

New factual shows such Channel 5/Discovery series Walking the Amazon; BBC2’s Antiques Road Trip; and Ginger’s Jack Osborne: Adrenaline Junkie, which sees the junior Osbourne taking on extreme challenges around the world; are included.

The deal also includes a first-look co-development partnership that will see DRG investing in new STV and Ginger Productions. These will include dramas, unscripted and formatted programming.

Jeremy Fox, DRG CEO, said: “STV is a centre of creative excellence in Scotland and we have always admired the teams’ work, especially its dramas such as Taggart. They’ve also created a compelling slate of new programmes that we’re looking forward to help bring to air worldwide.

“STV International is a great example of a major TV company partnering with a truly independent distributor to create and deliver a globally recognisable business and brand.”

STV director of content Alan Clements added DRG had a “proven track record for building UK-born programming into global brands. It’s that strategy for success that we will be looking to achieve across the coming years with prestigious STV Productions such as Taggart and Walking the Amazon.”