Sussex and Kent are amongst those set to lose their own dedicated local news service under proposals set out by ITV to axe a significant number of their regional newsrooms throughout the country. ITV want to cut by around half the 180 staff at Meridian whilst extending the area covered by a single news bulletin to the whole South East excluding London. The remaining staff will be expected to deliver local news from Margate over to Poole and Reading down to Eastbourne.
Norman Baker, Lib Dem MP for Lewes, speaking in the House of Commons, called upon the Government to ensure that regional news services are protected. Complimenting Meridian on its excellent service, Mr Baker challenged the Secretary of State to protect vital local news services from cuts proposed by ITV.
Mr Baker also opposed attempts by ITV to reduce the output of regional programming back in November 2004, the decision to close Meridian's television news studio in Maidstone the same year and tabled an early day motion opposing these cuts in 2007 which drew cross-party support.
Speaking about the cuts, Norman said:
"Over recent years, ITV has been slicing away at Meridian's well respected local news, and we really are now down to the bone. First there was the re-location of the Meridian Maidstone studio. Then there was the decision to slash Meridian's regional non-news output to a mere 1½ hours. Now it wishes to make further dramatic moves to reduce local news.
"There must be action to safeguard these vital public services, making sure that top quality local news remains available outside of the BBC. The onus is on the government to ensure a mechanism is in place to achieve this in the new digital age."|Home
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