Delays jeopardise Clements' SMG post

TV production executive Alan Clements may find the job he is to take up at SMG is no longer available due to delays in being released from his contract with RDF Media.

Rob Woodward, SMG chief executive, told Scotland on Sunday he may hire someone else as head of content and Clements, husband of television presenter Kirsty Walk, would have to take another role.

"Clearly we are disappointed not to have Alan Clements on board. There will be a role for Alan Clements but not necessarily the same role. We continue to talk to others," said Woodward.

Clements last year took his case to the high court in a bid to overturn RDF Media's decision to stop him working for a rival until the end of this year. He lost and his appeal is due on April 30. Clements is refusing to comment but a spokesman said he and Woodward got along well and Clements had received assurances about joining SMG.

Woodward said he wants Clements in the position, but the firm "needs to continue making programmes".

He added European legislation could help SMG win its case to be treated as an independent production company in England and Wales which would help it win more commissions.