ITN strikes six-year deal with ITV

ITN has struck a deal with ITV to provide a news service for the next six years. However, the ITV news provider has informed unions that, due to investment in new technology, jobs are to be axed.

The deal will see ITV invest more than £15 million in a complete technological upgrade of ITN's news operations for ITV in a contract that covers both network and London regional news programming.

Simon Shaps, Director of Television at ITV, said: "News is a key part of ITV's programming mix and in a multi-channel world plays an increasingly important role in distinguishing and defining the channel. ITV is committed to the provision of high quality, independent, impartial news and ITN delivers just that."

Mark Wood, Chief Executive of ITN, said: "To secure a six-year commitment at a time of such rapid changes in the media industry is a tremendous vote of confidence in ITN by ITV. We look forward to continuing to provide informative, agenda-setting and award winning programmes and delivering strong ratings for ITV."

However, Bectu General Gerry Morrissey expressed his disappointment at the impending job losses: "Bectu was pleased to see ITN had secured a long term deal with ITV. However we are extremely disappointed that within 24 hours this good news was followed by 64 potential redundancies due to changes in technology.

"We've had no information in relation to how ITN intends to produce news with 64 less staff.

The union has pledged to oppose any moves to introduce compulsory redundancies.

ITN has now entered a 60-day consultation period with Bectu and NUJ.

The contract which is said to be worth in excess of £250 million is subject to Ofcom approval and the conclusion of a legally binding agreement by the end of May 2007.

(DS/SP)