UTV Now Reaches for The North East

As announced recently, one of the UK's leading regional television news provider has teamed up with Welsh news publisher NWN Media to apply for the Government's recently announced Independently Funded News Consortium (IFNC) pilot project in Wales.
However, UTV has now also joined the race to include the North East of England - with Scotland possibly on the horizon too.
Three IFNCs are being created by the Government in Wales, Scotland and the Tyne Tees and Border area to develop sustainable multi-platform regional news.
As well as broadcasting on the regional news slots on Channel 3 (ITV and STV), the consortia will be expected to provide increased local news using multi-media technology.
UTV are to partner with NWN Media which promises to create a dynamic cross-platform news force, delivering content for television, radio, newspaper and online services.
Michael Wilson, Managing Director of UTV Television in Belfast spoke of extending beyond the borders and in reference to the Welsh bid said: "We believe the Wales Live partnership which we are forming with NWN Media will deliver highly successful cross-platform content to the whole of Wales."
David Faulkner, Managing Director of NWN Media said: "NWN Media and our partners UTV already have an unrivalled standard of journalism and of high quality production and offer comprehensive coverage.
"We believe in a modern multi-platform journalism that can keep those communities informed but also one that reflects the character and tradition of those communities. This partnership will reflect this ethos while at the same time offering content of unrivalled depth and range across all media."
UTV's Michael Wilson added: "All regional news is not the same in terms of quality. This year UTV celebrated 50 years of commitment to serving our region with high quality news and programming and it is our unrivalled standard of journalism, high quality production and comprehensive coverage we would hope to replicate in Wales with our partners NWM Media if our bid is successful."
The bids come at a time when ITV's outgoing Executive Chairman, Michael Grade, has announced a major shake up in regional news programming. ITV are opting to chase the ratings, and compete commerically, meaning the regional news could be cut completely.
For more information or to share your thoughts visit: www.waleslive.tv
(BMcN/BMcC)