ITV revises local news cutbacks

Some of ITV's regional news services will merge

ITV has revised plans to cut services in its regional newsrooms to save money for its programmes.

In September, the broadcaster said it wanted to merge 17 of its news offices to create nine regional services.

Following consultation, ITV is now proposing 18 sub-regional services under the nine news regions.

ITV's Michael Jermey said it would "deliver greater public value" while providing "the same cost savings", but unions have opposed the plans.

The mergers are part of ITV boss Michael Grade's five-year plan to improve programming.

"We believe we have a solution that offers viewers more of what they have told us they want, and preserves the best of ITV's tradition of quality, well resourced production and journalism," said Jermey.

The proposal is predominantly still based on ITV significantly reducing its regional news output Gerry Morrissey, general secretary of Bectu

However, broadcasting workers union Bectu does not think the move will work.

Bectu's Gerry Morrissey said the proposals were "unworkable" and fall "well short" of what audiences expect.

"The proposal is predominantly still based on ITV significantly reducing its regional news output," he said.

"What is being offered is significantly less than what's currently available."

Media regulator Ofcom will have to give approval for the changes to go ahead.