SHARES in STV closed up more than three per cent after it unveiled a new strategic partnership with Virgin Media, broadening the reach of the Scottish broadcaster’s programming across Scotland.

The four-year deal will see Virgin Meda broadcast the Scottish channel in high definition (HD) in all cabled STV regions, with the STV Player app and STV catch up programming becoming available on Virgin Media set top boxes for the first time. The two parties will also promote each other’s branding.

STV boss Simon Pitts said the firm was “delighted to be enhancing our partnership and extending the reach of STV’s fantastic programmes through this innovative, long term agreement.”

Mr Pitts cut 59 jobs at STV under a review carried out shortly after he joined the broadcaster in January.