Here are the STV OPT OUTS for SUN 20th Nov - FRI 25th Nov inclusive:-

SUNDAY 20TH - 10.50pm-5.30am - While the network goes with the 1979 film Quadrophenia, The Zone/Motorsport & Nightscreen, STV shows the 1990 comedy film BIRD ON A WIRE, the HEIST and KOJAK till 2.40am. The Nightshift runs till 5.30am.

Verdict: STV put up an admirable film offering and 2 American shows. At least we are spared the awful Nightshift till 2.40am. STV win.

MONDAY 21ST - 10.30pm-5.30am - ITV show Real Crime/The Zoo/The Zone/Nightscreen/Jeremy Kyle, whilst STV trot out their SCOTLAND TONIGHT, REAL CRIME and dump THE NIGHTSHIFT on us from 12 midnight. There is a 25 min. respite from that at 2.35am with FOOTBALL.

Verdict: Not much to choose between the 2 - though once again STV could have shown the football at 12midnight - 12.25am. ITV/STV draw.

TUESDAY 22ND - 10.30pm-5.30am - The network show the 1984 hit film Gremlins, and throw in a Kojak between The Zone & Nightscreen at 3.05am. STV play a repeat of RONNIE CORBETT'S COMEDY BRITAIN at 11pm, then the awful NIGHTSHIFT comes on at 12midnight.

Verdict: Disappointing that STV can't show the film Gremlins (albeit it's been on umpteen times), though the Ronnie Corbett prog. is worth a watch if you've missed it. ITV/STV draw.

WEDNESDAY 23RD - 10.30pm-5.30am - ITV show Football/Homes From Hell /The Zone/Columbo/Nightscreen. STV offer the FOOTBALL after SCOTLAND TONIGHT at 11pm. THE NIGHTSHIFT once again appears at 12midnight.

Verdict: At least STV viewers don't miss out on the Football (Champions League highlights), but the rest of the night is woeful, and not even Columbo airing from 12-1.25am. ITV win.

THURSDAY 24TH - 10.30pm -5.30am - ITV runs with Piers Morgan/ Around The House/The Choir That Rocks/The Zone/Nightscreen/Jeremy Kyle. STV serves up PIERS MORGAN at 11pm, CROSSING JORDAN at 12midnight & FILM:A HOME AT THE END OF THE WORLD - A 2004 Colin Farrell drama. We are spared THE NIGHTSHIFT until 2.25am after the film.

Verdict: Better from STV tonight, and a more respectable 2.25am slot for the NIGHTSHIFT. STV win.

FRIDAY 25TH - 11pm-5.30am - ITV rolls out the 1973 action movie Enter The Dragon, The Zone then Columbo before The Nightscreen. STV chooses HELP I CAUGHT IT ABROAD (rpt) & THE NIGHTSHIFT from 12.05am.

Verdict: Woefully inadequate from the Scottish broadcaster for a Friday night. Not even Columbo to redeem this pathetic schedule from 12.05-1.35am. ITV win.

CONCLUSION: Apart from 1 or 2 nights that look ok, STV disappoints - however over the 6 nights the personal verdicts show 2 ITV wins, 2 STV wins & 2 draws!

You have far too much time on your hands!

The only thing I will never understand is why STV insist on that programme from 12 midnight some nights hell E4 or E4+1 i rather watch the repeats of "big bang theory" than that dross...

ITV Breakfast us reclaiming its hours back, due to the Rugby World Cup airing during the ITV Breakfast slot (6am-9.25am) for a few weeks. The time taken back is usually weekend mornings/afternoons - this is the reason for ITV1 branding.

126 posts v your 2000 plus.. don't worry - keep taking the tablets! LOL only kidding - thanks for the encouragement!

2/12 years v 1 month Mr Sirs!!

I hate STV as much as you do so not too concerned.

This is getting beyond a joke on here...........if this what people are moaning about stv for, one suggestion, bugger off and watch itv1..... and you can keep it!

Already do through my PS3 - Oh forgot change my scottish postcode to an english postcode ITV gains +1 viewer where as STV ... well - 1 viewer... see the difference???


You sure Seiko? STV IS the joke.... no april fools there then.... I would if they ever did let Guy Fawkes out or what the STV Santa has in store for us in his ghetto ... sorry grotto... all cheap and imports no doubt! for new years since no sign of michelle and stephen I wonder if STV will do a marathon of "underbelly" or rerun "taggart" ... on second thoughts scrap that ... they will stick on "nightsh..s" instead right after the bells lovely!!

Eh? Not everyone has access to ITV1 in Scotland - in particular Freeview only viewers who would need to access it through their pc (and not everyone has one) for ITV player.

If you don't like the thread don't bother reading it - it's a discussion on a national broadcaster who chooses to air other programmes to the ITV network. Some of these progs. are (in many people's opinion) awful, some are so/so, others are good....

This is a forum for open, healthy discussion and debate - praise is given where it''s due, some feel very strongly about STV etc.. etc..

Remember to close the door on the way out...

there so many people have forgotten the amount of time STV has opt out over the past 50 years! ITV1 is not the bees knees..

I get the feeling this is not an healthy debate its just seems to be a knocking shop for anit STV people, and if STV were to be brought out by the awful itv people will be complaining still../

You forgot thought Scottish and Grampian were 2 different companies BEFORE the merge and being honest it should have been kept that way now its all Glasgow orientated than anything else ... programmes they produce mostly ie "nightshift" or "scotland whatever..." programmes

Yes we all know ITV are not "the bees knees" neither is STV for that matter



If STV were taken over by ITV we really dont know what reaction would be publicly until it went through ... think about the merge between Scottish and Grampian an MP brought attention of what was going to happen but fell on "deaf ears" and it went ahead...as far as STV's own programming I could not give a rat's ass really about things "scottish" BBC do a better job at that!

Oh yes forgot to mention STV never won at the baftas (scottish) for their documentaries what does that tell you? Poor broadcaster working off scrapings....

the saying "licence to print money" I heard that recently on the Grampian 50 years ... STV dont "print" money they "save".... person who thought of saying that must have been delusional and regretting it now I wonder...

Also why should we not "knock" STV? people complain about everything in the world its freedom of expression ... what would you like everyone to say "oh yes we like STV..." I may as well go and live in a bubble now

Most of the dropped programmes have come back and we still get a few local crappy programme and people still complain, what is is that people WANT?

define "most" STV have just recently skipped a series and a half of "midsomer" the NEW episodes...as for "local" it aint "local" with the programmes they shove on in opt outs....maybe that should be defined to "regional" ... dont see STV doing any "local" programmes for my area do you? - Oh no thats right all OUTPUT is from Glasgow no matter the programme they make... there goes my "local" telly ... closest thing STV does for us is "news" and that IS laughable...
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Though the question that has NEVER been answered by STV - is will the "dropped" programmes couple years back will they EVER be screened? since "service" is returning to normal

I may as well also ask since STV have thrown themselves in the deep end with NEW "Midsomer Murders" recently any idea then of when they will do a "catch up" like they done with as they called it "Downtown" sorry "Downton Abbey" ... oh wait it won't happen!

Regarding their "crappy" programmes ... I take it you noticed that? ... I wouldnt call it "crappy" it looks like the programmes are made for 10 year olds or done by people of that age ... possibly STV stuck them in a basement til they got an idea on what to run with next.... Next Year STV will do a programme called "Scotland's Greatest Computer Games" (programme looks at Grand Theft Auto and how money was made... :yawn .... its nothing more than a dumbed down network for babies and YES this also goes in part with some programmes ITV make...

I am old enough to remember when STV subjected to us an hour of Thingummyjig - Scottish country dancing, on a Friday evening primetime! I am old enough to remember when their scedule after 10.30pm was almost always way different from the network etc.. etc.. So yes you are right - it's easy to forget the tat that was thrown at us years ago.

We will have to agree to disagree on healthy debate - this is a subjective debate on STV OPT OUTs/programmes & policy. Indeed if you look at my comments on the latest OPT OUTs I tallied up and gave it 2 ITV, 2 STV, 2 draw. This is just my opinion of course!

I don't think for one minute ITV is dreamland tv/bees knees - but as kezo eludes to they have sh*t on the North East /Grampian region and their prog. output to the network now is WOEFUL - where are the quality dramas and productions we had years ago? Their offering through the night is a disgrace for a national broadcaster (yes let's just give up in this digital multi channel age), their news is tabloidy and now seems cheap in comparison to the BBC Scotland.

They are now very little more than a few bolt ons to an advertising/website organisation - are they really a national broadcaster? Mmmm - debatable.

But I agree - ITV has it's faults too, but I will continue to comment on their OPT OUTs and give them praise where it's due too.

Lets face it at the end of the day people are not that concerned about local tv, the regional days of ITV are well and truly over. As long as the local news bulletins are preserved that is all that matters, having access to their favourite shows is a greater priority and seeking to retain programme quality.

STV will in time become part of ITV plc and become ITV1 Scotland , receiving preferental treatment as ITV1 Wales with some regional opt-outs. Due to the geographical size of Scotland see no reason why they wouldn't make two seperate local news programmes, one covering Southern and Central Scotland and the other covering the North. This would in turn remedy the 'ITV Border-Scotland' matter.

Here are the STV OPT OUTS for SATURDAY 3RD - FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER INCLUSIVE:-

SAT. 3RD - 10.45pm-5.30am - ITV runs with FA Cup football highlights, a rerun of The Cube, The Zone & Nightscreen with a break at 3am for Kojak. STV show 2 films from 2004 before the NIGHTSHIFT comes on at 2.10am - THE GRUDGE (Horror) & THE WHOLE TEN YARDS (Comedy) .

Verdict: Despite showing the FA Cup highlights, STV just edge it with their 2 late night movie offerings. STV WIN.

SUN. 4TH - 12noon-3.05pm - ITV show live FA Cup football. STV screen SURVIVAL & a repeat of MORSE.

9-10.15pm - ITV line up A Night With Beyonce, whilst STV show SCOTTISH SPORTS AWARDS.

10.30pm-2.15am - ITV show football highlights, rugby union & Kojak interrupts The Zone/Nightscreen at 2.55am. STV have RUGBY UNION, I TUNES FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS & FILM: ASSASSINS from 1995 (till NIGHTSHIFT at 2.15am).

Verdict: Scottish viewers may be disappointed with no football (live or highlights) and miss out on Beyonce. Whilst they recover slightly with their offerings, ITV edge today. ITV WIN.

MON. 5TH - 10.30pm-5.30am - ITV show the boxing doc. Fight For Their Lives & David Jason's Greatest Escapes till The Zone at 12.40am. Have the schedulers at STV being reading this forum?!! For tonight the broadcaster decides to push THE NIGHTSHIFT back till 3.10am!! So after SCOTLAND TONIGHT, FIGHT OF THEIR LIVES & FILM; NUN'S STORY, there is CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL straight after the film!!

Verdict: A refreshing change to STVs schedule with the awful NIGHTSHIFT being punted back. STV WIN.

TUE. 6TH - 10.30pm-5.30am - ITV screen the 2004 film The Interpreter before The Zone kicks in at 12.55am. Kojak is sandwiched between that & Nightscreen. STV airs a repeat of MONTE CARLO OR BUST tv series at 11pm, then KOJAK & JEREMY KYLE until THE NIGHTSHIFT at 1.50am.

Verdict: Once again STV pushes NIGHTSHIFT back and beefs up its 11-1.50am slots (albeit repeats). ITV have the movie, but this one's A DRAW.

WED. 7TH - 10.30pm-5.30am - After Champions League football, Homes From Hell airs till 12.30am on ITV. Columbo makes an appearance at 2.35am. STV have the FOOTBALL too after SCOTLAND TONIGHT, then COLUMBO & JEREMY KYLE. Once again THE NIGHTSHIFT goes out later - this time at 2.10am.

Verdict: Mystery fans will appreciate STVs earlier airing of Columbo, and so it's an STV WIN.

THUR. 8TH - 10.30pm-5.30am - ITV offers Life Stories, Around The House & Grimefighters till The Zone at 12.30am. STV runs LIFE STORIES at 11pm, CROSSING JORDAN & KOJAK till 1.40, then JEREMY KYLE till 2.35am. The dreaded NIGHTSHIFT comes in at 2.35am.

Verdict: Another deserved win for STV.

FRI. 9TH - 11pm-5.30am - ITV show the film The Outlaw Josey Wales till The Zone at 1.30am. Columbo pops in at 3.30am. STV offer THE CUBE & FILM:FOUR MUSKETEERS, then JEREMY KYLE till 2.55am.

Verdict: Would have been a clear win for ITV had they brought forward Columbo to 1.30am. Instead they ruin it by showing the mind numbing Zone at 1.30am. STVs film offering is fine, but maybe not as appealing as Clint Eastwood. A DRAW.

Result: STV 4 WINS, ITV 1 WIN, 2 DRAWS.

STV turn the tables on ITV this week with a much improved schedule - the truly awful Nightshift is pushed back every night, and although repeats dominate the OPT OUTS during the week this is a big improvement on viewer choice till around 2am every night. Well done STV - keep reading these forums for some good listener views!

Let's hope this isn't a flash in the pan for December/Christmas, but more of an indicator to a long term schedule!

Hey Mr Sirs ... I find it more odd here though that ITV1 aired some of these programmes during the night recently so why STV could not "network" these programmes with ITV1 gets me... the only "networked" programme was the UEFA football recently...regarding the beyonce programme I am sure as fate majority of viewers will wonder when STV plan on airing that ... guess again STV are doing a +1 week again and I am pretty much sure some will "click" over to ITV1 .... also see the ITunes festival highlights these were currently shown earlier in the year from ITV2! ... surprised it appears didnt realise it was "scottish" related lol

ITV2 are showing this on Friday (9th) at 7.45pm. - maybe STV won't bother showing it at all!

ah the usual tactic -- sorry "STV" viewers if a programme you missed catch it on either ITV2/3/4 - they done that with the recent series of Benidorm once shown on ITV1 viewers who did not see it had to wait for showings on ITV2 ... oh look its left again for ITV to pick up what STV missed....

NOTE: this excludes people who have sky/virgin/games consoles to access alternative ways but on freeview (as usual with STV) .... please wait....

Dear STV

I would like the HOUR back, at peak times it was good, but some major changes will be needed

Cheers

That's me! If STV have no intention of showing it I wonder how much money they have saved? They will argue the money saved is reinvested into such quality programming as "Scotland's Greatest/Sports Awards etc..." - in other words cheap filler programmes fronted by a has been presenter and/or cheap outside broadcast unit.

For me the prog. should have been purchased and aired as per ITV, with the Sports Awards shown on a Friday night at 10.30-11.30pm (capturing the male audience on a Friday night).

Yes I (cough) ahem... agree...

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depends on the hosts i would welcome it but dont hold breath seiko.... also by chance since you request can STV North get there OWN version thank you!


on second thoughts dont bother .... it will become a farcical of a programme and be the "scottish" version of "this morning" and will be "product placement" ..... and the quiz at the end of the week "whats on the STV Box" :yawn: ... I think STV shouldnt really bother doing another "the hour" anyway ... people will ask so what DID STV make in 2012?? .. "the hour"

Also santa can you tell STV to make DECENT programmes than scrapings from a barrel and to scrap their imports too also tell STV to get their finger out their a..e and tell them to UPGRADE STV North news. I know I am asking alot but I know that ALL will not be fufilled but hey ho.....if not my STV will be gone for GOOD thanks "wullie" santa!

Remember MrSirs STV cant "schedule" properly ... they throw anything on to make it justified and has "scottish" interests ... I am still lost as to STV plans for beyonce programme and to leave this and go for bieber next is unbelievable .... guess STV must decide on which "artists" are relevant to "scotland" lol ... oh wait STV is ran by 10 year olds I forgot that ... must be more Bieber fans in STV than Beyonce .... I wonder how STV voted on the programmes ... all in favour say "aye" and all that do not say "nah"

beyonce WILL BE BROADCAST on STV sometime this month.... STV can place any programme anywhere it likes we might get it in a better slot..