More cuts in ITV 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, announced today, 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.