ITC REVISE NEWS APPLICATIONS GUIDELINES NOTE

THE Independent Television Commission (ITC) have published a revised Guidance Note on Applications for Nomination as News Provider for parties interested in providing news on regional Channel 3 licensees.
There are no substantive changes to the requirements of applicants for Nominated News Provider status, but some of the detail provided in previous notes has been simplified.
Applications to the ITC for Nominated News Provider status may be made at any time. Applicants will qualify if the ITC are satisfied that they meet the requirements for nomination set out in the Broadcasting Act 1990 (amended in 1996). The appointment of the news provider is made by ITV on behalf of all the Channel 3 regional licensees from a pool of ITC, nominated news providers.
Last week five major broadcasters and producers announced they were forming a consortium to challenge ITN for the contract to supply news output to ITV. The five are BSkyB, Bloomberg, CBS, Chrysalis Group and Ulster TV. Each of the consortium's members will hold a 20 per cent stake in the company, which will bid for the ITV contract.
The consortium are to approach the ITC as the first step towards becoming Nominated News Providers under the 1996 Broadcasting Act.
They have also written to ITV spelling out their plans and asking for an early meeting.
A copy of the updated Guidance Note is on the ITC website at www.itc.org.uk or from the ITC information office. (CMcL)