Broadcast News

Bookmark and Share
07/06/2006

Bectu condemn more cuts in ITV regional news service

An ITV decision to make further cuts in its regional news programming has been condemned by Bectu.
At least 40 jobs are threatened as a result of the company’s plans for a new Thames Valley service which will significantly affect staff numbers at the company’s Meridian and Central licences.
The proposal is being presented by ITV management as a "set of major enhancements to regional news programmes to improve the service to viewers across the country".
The plan follows on from cuts in regional news made in 2003 when a merger of Granada and Carlton created ITV, blessed by Ofcom's review of public service broadcasting.
"Roughly 100 news-facing technical and support jobs were lost as a result of that earlier painful exercise," said Bectu's ITV officer Sharon Elliott, "and once again ITV plc’s bigger cost-cutting priorities have allowed the axe to fall on regional services.
"We do not accept that services to regional audiences can be improved by cutting staff numbers and increasing the demands on a reduced workforce. The company’s claims are insincere," Elliott continued.
"We have yet to receive full details of how the company plans to implement the proposed changes but Bectu will oppose compulsory redundancies to ensure that the company does the maximum both to satisfy its promise to viewers and to retain dedicated, skilled staff", she concluded.
Bectu has also extended its criticism to industry regulator Ofcom. "Ofcom exists to serve the public interest but we are not aware of any consultation with the public undertaken by Ofcom in connection with these changes," said the union.
"It appears that whatever ITV plc asks for to save money, it gets. It appears that the regulator’s policy of waiting for viewers to complain before calling ITV to account continues apace," the spokesperson said.
(GB)
Solidmate Ltd Memory Card Hire London

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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
23/07/2001
ITV TO FORM NEW ONLINE DIVISION
ITV ARE to form a new division, ITV Interactive, as the unified home for all online and interactive activities and the portal operations of ITV Active
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
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
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
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
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 th
18/11/2014
Winners Announced For RTS North West Centre Awards
The Royal Television Society (RTS) North West Centre has announced the winners of its annual awards on 15 November at the Hilton, Manchester. The even
14/12/2004
ITV jumps gun with job cuts in Wales, says Bectu
Bectu negotiators have accused ITV of pre-empting Ofcom decisions with a plan to cut jobs in Wales. ITV has announced proposals for 15 redundancies in