STV has signed an agreement with the BBC Scotland to share news resources including studios, offices and video.

As a result of the agreement both networks could share the use of non-exclusive images, training and archive programming.

A joint statement from the two broadcasters, said: "A final agreement in this area would have to ensure that the editorial integrity of both broadcasters would be preserved in any picture sharing arrangement."

"Exclusive stories and features will not be shared, and plurality or distinctiveness of news provision will not be compromised by any such agreement."

As a result journalists at STV will be also given access to the BBC College of Journalism.

At the moment the agreement is understood to be non-binding with a number of conditions needing to be met before being finally approved.

Rob Woodward, chief executive of STV, said: "We are building a strong relationship with the BBC and are delighted to have agreed such a wide-reaching partnership deal that is there to better serve our viewers. We remain absolutely committed to maintaining our position as Scotland's commercial Public Service Broadcaster, providing plurality of services for viewers. We believe that this partnership will be to the benefit of both our audiences and the creative industry in Scotland."

The agreement has been announced ahead of the Digital Britain report which is released later today and will examine the future of Britain’s Media industry.