Lewes MP, Norman Baker has used the House of Commons to raise his concerns about the proposed closure of the Meridian TV News studio in Maidstone which provides a key local news service to the people of Kent and Sussex.
He told the Commons:
"The transmission of local news for Sussex and Kent from a base in Hampshire, following the closure of any Maidstone outlet, will be detrimental to people in Sussex and Kent... such news cannot possibly be of the same quality. More importantly, is this not the thin end of the wedge? If Granada gets away with that closure strategy without intervention from Ofcom or the Government, it will be repeated throughout the country."
After the debate Norman said:
"The proposal to close Meridian's television news studio in Maidstone and move its news operation to Hampshire would be disastrous for the region. This is a local news service which sets a high standard in local news reporting. How can Meridian report on the issues specific to the people of Sussex if it is produced and broadcast from a studio in Hampshire?"
"This is simply a cost-cutting exercise. ITV is under pressure and is desperate to save money. But ITV has a public service obligation based firmly on its regional programming. If that goes, why should it get privileged access to limited spectrum?"
Norman Baker MP has also written to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee formally asking them to investigate the matter.
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
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Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
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