We worked with STV in 2018 when the organisation was undergoing an extensive change programme to focus on content and digital. As part of this change they were looking to appoint a new role, leading news and current affairs. This role would be responsible for delivering a new vision, designed to maintain and develop the strong position and reputation of STV News, successfully reaching new audiences through an increased focus on digital and social platforms alongside high-profile broadcast output.

Steve had previously been responsible for the journalism and newsroom operations as managing editor of CBC, Canada’s main public service broadcaster, where he oversaw the restructuring of its digital news operations. Prior to this he had been Global Chair of News at Twitter, in which he had spent some time in Scotland.

As broadcasting, and particularly news, evolves to incorporate new digital platforms and multimedia content, a knowledge of both television broadcast and digital news was seen as essential. A sensitivity towards the cultural and political nuances of running a news team in Scotland was seen as highly important; relationships with Scotland’s highly politically-engaged audience and Holyrood, as well as other external stakeholders were very important. Following an extensive and international search Steve Ladurantaye was appointed to the role.