BBC and ITV accused of bad faith

BECTU and the NUJ have accused the BBC and ITV of bad faith following their confirmation of plans to share regional news resources.

Today (Thursday) the broadcasters announced their agreement on a “memorandum of understanding” which outlines proposals for a long term Service Level Agreement which involves the sharing of infrastructure and facilities at BBC premises.

Since the possibility was first broached several months ago, the recognised unions have been seeking meetings about what has been dubbed, effectively, a takeover of regional news by the BBC.

To date there has been no formal consultation with the joint unions about the proposals by either broadcaster. What is worse, both broadcasters have denied that talks have been on-going.

“These conversations have been cloaked in secrecy and their progression hidden from staff and unions alike. This, despite repeated calls for clarification and serious concerns being raised by members in both organisations.” said a statement issued by BECTU and the NUJ.

Both unions have expressed major doubts about the impact of the plans on their members, on programming, on editorial independence and on the service available to local audiences.

“Both the BBC and ITV say that their intention is to protect diverse regional output for the longer term.

“The joint unions have expressed serious doubts and believe that this proposal has far more to do with cost-cutting, and a possible further risk to jobs, than it has to do with the delivery of effective news services.” the unions stated in a joint press release.

BECTU and the NUJ will continue to press the broadcasters for formal talks on the implications of the proposal.

Today’s announcement will unsettle both BBC and ITV staff working in regional news; both teams will be concerned to learn how management thinks that quality output and service identity can be maintained under a proposal which would see content and resources shared.

In February, ITV regional news lost more than 400 posts in a radical shake-up which saw several regions expanded, begging the question about the relevance of services to local audiences.

On 4 March ITV confirmed plans to cut more than 600 jobs, affecting its operations in London, Leeds and Manchester.