BECTU voice ITV merger concerns

BECTU have expressed concern over the impact on ITV regional production of a Granada and Carlton merger in their submission to the UK Competition Commission inquiry into the proposed merger between ITV companies Carlton and Granada.
The union have said that their overriding concern is to protect the strong heritage of ITV regional production.
BECTU are seeking from the UK government regulations requiring regional production from ITV companies.
In their submission the union say that their prime concern is not with the Granada and Carlton merger in itself, but with the long term future of regional ITV as a strong source of original programme production.
Major ITV advertisers, including the giant Proctor & Gamble, have also expressed doubts about the viability of the merger, citing the potential for advertising price hikes even if the Carlton and Granada sales house were to remain separate.
(GB)