The broadcaster’s adjusted earnings per share also rose by 13% to reach 46.6p per share, rising from 41.1p in 2018.

STV also saw an increase in total advertising revenue, up 2% to £101.6m (2018: £100.0m), driven by strong digital revenue growth and an 11% increase in regional advertising.

Digital revenues rose by 37% to £13.0m with a digital operating margin up to 56%.

The broadcaster has said it is on track to deliver its diversification target of one-third of profit from outside traditional television advertising by end of 2020, with non-broadcast earnings 28% of the total in 2019 (2018: 24%).

Simon Pitts, chief executive officer, said: “An operating profit increase of 13% when national advertising revenues are down illustrates our growing resilience and the exciting growth potential of our regional, digital and production businesses.

“2019 STV was the most popular peaktime channel in Scotland, ahead of BBC One for the first time in 6 years; our Growth Fund has now welcomed over 160 new advertisers to TV since launch, underpinning strong growth in regional revenues; and our digital streaming service STV Player launched on Sky and became universally available for the first time, helping to drive 37% growth in both streams and revenue. These factors contributed to a strong full year performance, with EPS also up 13% and operating margin up over 230 basis points to 18%.

“We continue to make excellent progress with our strategic growth plan and have laid solid foundations for future growth, including in STV Productions where 2019 saw a return to high-end drama for the first time in a decade with the critically acclaimed The Victim and Elizabeth is Missing for BBC One.”

He added: “Despite uncertainty following the UK’s exit from the EU and the Coronavirus, we are positive about the outlook for 2020. We have made a strong start to the year on screen and online, in line with our expectations, and have an exciting programming line-up to look forward to, with the return of Saturday Night Takeaway, Britain’s Got Talent and new dramas like Liar and Quiz all helping to drive viewing on STV and the STV Player.”