Currently serving senior advisor to internet conglomerate IAC, he was previously chairman of Universal Television where he was responsible for the creative, strategic and business direction of the television business.

Before this he spent four years as chief executive officer of Channel Four where he was responsible for the commissioning of programmes such as Da Ali G Show, Queer as Folk and So Graham Norton. He also refocused Channel Four to exploit the programming and commercial opportunities offered by the digital revolution, including launching two new channels, FilmFour and E4.

He was also controller of BBC1 and served as director of television, and as controller of BBC2.

Jackson commented: “STV is a small business with big ambitions and a healthy growth plan and I’m delighted to be joining the Board as a Non-Executive Director.”

Richard Findlay, chairman of STV, added: “Michael has worked at the highest levels in the broadcasting industry in the UK and USA and has an intimate understanding of international programme markets and the important role of digitally based local media. He will be an excellent addition to the STV Board.”

Findlay also released his chairman’s AGM Statement, provided to shareholders at the company Annual General Meeting.

In it he revealed that the KPI’s for 09 are ‘on track’ with the exception of the broadcast margin which ‘has been impacted’ by the downturn in the market.

He also announced that the Leadership Team at the company would be take up voluntary cuts in salary from next month as well as waiving their performance related bonuses for this year.

This will see Rob Woodward, chief executive and George Watt, chief financial officer take reductions of 20% and 15% respectively. Other members of the Leadership Team will take reductions of between 10% and 15%.

Findlay explained: “Whilst these salary and bonus costs have already been budgeted for, the Leadership Team is totally committed to the business and share a strong belief in the future of STV and a confidence that we will deliver our growth targets.”

He continued to say that the company had identified ‘a range of measures’ to mitigate the effects of the economic downturn and this additional decision will allow for increased investment in the business at this time.

He also revealed that the total television advertising market is forecast to be down around 20% in April and May, with STV and ITV1 trading slightly behind the market.