ITN Announce Redundancies Following Six Year Contract With ITV

Following ITN's agreement to provide ITV's news service over a six-year period, the company has informed Bectu and NUJ that due to investment in new technology, 64 jobs are to be axed.
The contract, which covers both network and London regional news programming, will see ITV invest more than £15 million in a complete technological upgrade of ITN's news operations for ITV.
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 has expressed its disappointment at the impending job losses.
Bectu General Gerry Morrissey commented: "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.
Mr Morrissey added: "We remain completely opposed to any 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)