NEW television channel STV2 got off to “a great start” on its launch night, says the broadcaster, with the highly anticipated STV News Tonight receiving almost universal acclaim.

The first commercial channel with a distinct Scottish schedule launched on Monday night – the 7pm half-hour news programme upstaging the BBC’s on-off debate about a Scottish Six.

Billed as the first integrated Scottish, UK and international news offering, anchored by Halla Mohieddeen live from Glasgow, it did everything it said on the box.

A spokesperson for STV2 said: “STV2 got off to a great start with the channel being warmly received on its launch night. We hope viewers enjoyed the first broadcast of STV News Tonight featuring coverage from Paris to Aviemore.”

The launch came ahead of STV’s AGM yesterday, at which the company announced that chief executive officer Rob Woodward, will stand down from his post within 12 months.

Woodward said: “We have made a positive start to 2017 including the launch of new channel, STV2, and further commissions secured for STV Productions.

“As I confirm my decision to pursue fresh challenges after leading the company for the past 10 years, I am passionate about STV and its prospects to continue to deliver sustainable profitable growth for our shareholders.

“The company has an outstanding management team and committed and energised staff that will continue to build on the unique strategic strengths of the business.”

STV chairman, Margaret Ford, added: “The board is indebted to Rob for his exceptional contribution to the turnaround of the group and his commitment and passion in driving positive growth over the past 10 years. He has built a strong legacy.”

STV’s first quarter trading was in line with expectations and the outlook to the end of May is still in line with forecasts, with national airtime revenues expected to be down eight per cent.

Regional airtime revenues are expected rise five per cent to the end of May and digital revenues were up 11 per cent in Q1 and are expected to continue growing.