STV has confirmed that the company has written to ITV network ‘raising a number of issues’ regarding what the Scottish broadcaster believes is ‘predjudicial behaviour’ against it from the ITV Network.

Should STV not receive ‘satisfactory response’ to its concerns then it believes that it is ‘left with no choice’ but to issue proceedings to claim damages and seek ‘a behaviourial remedy’ towards ITV.  

The company has already begun legal proceedings when it launched a counter claim against ITV plc which had itself begun a claim against STV for withdrawing from its schedules.

The issue was raised in relation to spin off shows such as The X Factor's sister-show The Xtra Factor, being broadcast on ITV2 and claims that by not broadcasting it on its main channel, it is denying STV with the chance to benefit from such a lucrative prospect.

“We are seeking damages for loss of revenue and the detrimental impact on our brand. Additionally, STV is seeking an injunction to prevent ITV Network and/or ITV Broadcasting from entering into any further new media rights agreements without STV’s consent,” explains the statement.

“In response to ITV’s claim (£3m-£20m net), we have served a counterclaim with an estimated value of up to £16m relating to the Airtime Sales Agreement. Whilst ITV has admitted some of the amounts claimed by STV and STV has admitted some of the amounts claimed by ITV; there remain a number of issues outstanding, the most significant of which relates to programme opt out procedures.”

The company said that it was ‘confident of its position’ in respect to ITV’s claims and expected ‘a positive outcome,’ while also welcoming the appointment of a new chair and chief executive at ITV which it says it hopes will lead to ‘a more constructive relationship’ between the two which best serves the interests of the viewers, advertisers and shareholders of both businesses.

An ITV spokeman said: "We do not believe there is any legal basis for yet another claim by STV but we would defend any new proceedings vigorously. We continue to pursue our original claim for the £15m to £20m debt to ITV, which has accumulated as a result of STV not honouring its contractual obligations to the Network Programme Budget."