Local Lib Dems oppose destruction of regional news

11.17.33am GMT Tue 4th Nov 2008

Local Liberal Democrats have expressed their concern at the loss of ITV regional news coverage. Last month ITV announced 1,000 job losses including a 40% cut in regional news staff to protect its £1 billion annual budget in the face of a worsening advertising market.

In the North West the proposals will see an 11% cut in the Manchester workforce along with Border TV being amalgamated with Tyne Tees. Some daytime news bulletins will be dropped and the amount of regional news programming will be cut by half to just 15 minutes per week.

Liberal Democrats from across the North West voted overwhelmingly at their Autumn Conference in Manchester this weekend in support of a motion on the destruction of regional news.

Delegates endorsed a proposal to call on the government to introduce a new Broadcasting Bill that would toughen licensing requirements for the provision of regional news by independent companies.

Local Liberal Democrat MEP Chris Davies moved the motion and was delighted that his party colleagues shared his concerns. He said: "ITV is a keystone of news and current affairs in the North West and cuts in its output will be felt across the region.

"It's all part of the dumbing down of television, and as politicians draw up the rules for broadcasters we are principally to blame. Good news coverage informs and educates in ways that can make good television. It is a vital asset we should be not be throwing away"

Jobs are expected to be lost by early December.