Broadcast News

Bookmark and Share
23/03/2010

ITV U-Turn On Regional News?

A possible about-turn in ITV's position on regional news has been welcomed by BECTU.
ITV's Chairman, Archie Norman, has been quoted suggesting that the company is re-evaluating its commitment to its regional news output.
David Beevers, BECTU's ITV official said: "If this is true then it is to be welcomed. For some time now, BECTU and the NUJ have been in discussions with senior ITV management over the future of regional news and the joint unions have always made it plain that the preferred choice for union members is a properly funded future with ITV.
"The unions have argued that the evening regional news programme is the springboard to the company's primetime evening schedule and its value in delivering an audience for the evening schedule is priceless.
"Regional news delivers more viewers across the network than Sky’s national news service and regularly equals or exceeds in some regions the nearest competition from the BBC.
"Regional news is an intrinsic part of the ITV brand and makes the channel what it is today, the country’s leading commercial channel.”
BECTU has made the point that funding regional news need not involve dipping into any part of the licence fee. The union believes there is an available solution; the abolition of the punitive CRR regulation on advertising rates coupled with a small increase in airtime for commercials during the peak time schedule, could secure the service.
The issue of extra advertising minutage has already been raised with the regulator, Ofcom.
David Beevers concluded: "Our members are the best in the business when it comes to making regional news. The current services are pared to the bone but remain effective at delivering exceptional value for money.
"What our members need right now is a period of stability well beyond 2012 so they can do what they do best, make great news for ITV," he said.
Since the beginning of the year the industry has been focussed on a number of bids from different media alliances to provide alternative news services to those currently available in the Borders, Wales and Scotland.
The scheme is part of a government-backed pilot. A decision on the successful bids is expected before the end of the month.
(BMcN/BMcc)
Solidmate Ltd Memory Card Hire London

Top Related Stories
Click here for the latest broadcast news stories.

06/02/2018
Nominations For RTS Television Journalism Awards 2018 Announced
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced the nominations for the RTS Television Journalism Awards 2018. The awards ceremony, sponsored by Gues
20/02/2014
RTS Announces TV Journalism Awards
Last night saw the Royal Television Society (RTS) present awards to the winners of the RTS Television Journalism Awards 2012/2013. The ceremony was ch
29/01/2016
RTS Announces Television Journalism Awards 2016
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced the nominations for the RTS Television Journalism Awards 2016.   The awards, for news and current aff
30/01/2015
Nominations Announced For RTS Television Journalism Awards
The Royal Television Society (RTS) has announced the nominations for the RTS Television Journalism Awards 2013/2014. The awards, for news and current
14/12/2005
Dedicated ITV News Channel axed
ITV has announced that following a "strategic review" it is to invest £2 million in its news programming but the axe has fallen on its 24-hour rolling
13/03/2023
ITV Launches Recovery Budget Planner Tool
ITV has alunched a Recovery Budget Planner tool for advertisers. Commissioned by ITV AdLabs, ITV’s commercial innovations umbrella, the free Recovery
29/05/2002
ITV launch £2 million fund for regional programming
ITV have announced a package of reforms, agreed with the Independent Television Commission (ITC), to modernise ITV’s regional commitments. The reforms
07/04/2008
ITV 'Compromise' Over News Services
There's 'bad news' and 'not so bad news' this week as a leading national broadcaster has agreed a compromise over plans that were originally to have l
29/09/2017
RTS Announces Nominations For North West Awards 2017
The Royal Television Society (RTS) North West Centre has announced the nominations for its annual awards, at an event sponsored by Audio Network. Cat
11/03/2024
ITV Announces Documentary In Tribute To Paul O'Grady
ITV has announced a documentary in tribute to the late Paul O'Grady. The Life and Death of Lily Savage will air on ITV1 this Easter, along with Paul's
25/08/2023
ITV Studios Becomes An Associate Member Of The TV Access Project
ITV Studios has become an Associate Member of the TV Access Project (TAP), as part of its wider commitment to make the TV industry more accessible for
29/10/2009
New Look For ITN
ITV News will unveil a new look across all of its national programmes from Monday, which will be supported by a major on and off-air marketing campaig
10/01/2001
LAUNCH DATE SET FOR ITV NEWS AT TEN
ITV have confirmed that their late evening news bulletin will move to ten o’clock from January 22. For the first time in ITV’s history the network wil
18/10/2004
Review “spells end” for regional ITV, says Bectu
Bectu is warning that the Ofcom review of public service broadcasting could mean the end of commercial television in the regions. A report published b
02/10/2015
RTS North West Announce Awards Shortlist
The Royal Television Society (RTS) North West Centre has announced the shortlist for its annual awards at an event hosted by CBBC presenter Lauren Lay