Review Offers Hope For Regional News

The Chief Executive of ITV, Adam Crozier has ordered a review of the channel's national and regional news departments.
The review - part of Crozier's 12-week Strategy - is being led by Michael Jermey Director of News, and Current Affairs and Sport, along with Director of Television Peter Fincham.
The review is said to be a possible lifeline for regional news which was recently put up for the chop, a move criticised by BECTU and the NUJ.
In meetings held this week, ITV news managers said the new government's decision to axe the IFNC scheme provided an opportunity to reappraise its news service, with an emphasis on improving output across a range of platforms, including itv.com.
In an effort to improve interactivity to better connect with viewers, ITV are now considering several ideas, including whether to make the service text- or video-based, or whether to break stories online. ITV is also exploring partnerships with other news providers.
A spokesperson said: "Nothing has been ruled out. The message is that the new management sees a credible, authoritative news service as central to the fortunes of ITV. After all the cuts and savings, it's the most optimistic we've felt about regional news in two years."
As part of ITV's interim results presentation, the news review is expected to be announced on 4th August. Former Executive Chairman Michael Grade had previously warned that regional news could be cut from the ITV schedule.
Last month, proposals for IFNC to provide television news using ITV's airtime were overturned by the coalition government, which favours the creation of a new network of local TV stations - set for the summer of 2012.
(BMcN/BMcC)