Bectu and NUJ fight to save Midlands ITV

Bectu and NUJ branches in ITV Central have published a report calling for network production to be retained in the Midlands region.
The research-based document covers the history of Independent Television in the Midlands from 1956, through ATV to Central and Carlton.
According to the unions, ITV plc is proposing redundancies and studio closures which will effectively end network production in the region.
First recipient of the report was Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, who has been urged by unions to take action to preserve the production of television programmes in the Midlands.
Highlighting Ofcom's “inability or unwillingness” to intervene to save the local industry, the Minister was asked: "Would Ofwat wait to fine a water company after Midland's people had died in a drought?"
The report has also been sent to MPs in the East and West Midlands, Birmingham and Nottingham City Council, the East Midlands Development Agency, and Advantage West Midlands.
(GB)