Union in talks over 51 job losses at Border TV
Last updated 11:09, Saturday, 04 October 2008
Union leaders have held talks with ITV executives as negotiations begin over 51 redundancies at Carlisle-based ITV Border.
Representatives of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) and broadcast workers’ union Bectu have met ITV bosses in London to thrash-out the fall-out of a controversial merger between Border and Tyne Tees.
Talks surrounding the job losses were yesterday described as “open and frank” with negotiators optimistic they will be able to secure improved terms for those facing the axe.
Border’s NUJ spokesman Adam Powell said that although the future of Border seemed to be a “done deal” talks were underway about the employment impact of the merger.
He added: “We have to try and look forward to get the best for the people who are going to lose their jobs. Our priority at the moment is to get them the best deal possible.
“We have put in a request for improved redundancy terms and conditions and we are waiting to hear their response.”
Mr Powell and Border’s Bectu representative Peter Howdle have also been holding talks with ITV management locally.
They fear that some of those facing redundancy may not be able to get other jobs within the media and face the prospect of retraining.
ITV wants to cut the workforce in the Border region – Cumbria, southern Scotland and the Isle of Man – to just 13 and to close its studios at Durranhill as part of the merger.
The combined news service would see a new nightly news programme – which would still be called Lookaround for Border viewers – being broadcast from Gateshead.
Although it will cover the whole of the enlarged patch, the show will include a 15-minute opt-out of Border-only news.
Broadcast industry regulator Ofcom has backed the merger plan and now faces a political and public backlash as a consultation on the proposal continues.
ITV say the changes – part of a £40m cost-cutting drive – are needed to compete in the digital television age and that the revamped news service would still be locally relevant.
They have dismissed suggestions that the region would not be properly covered.
Meanwhile, former Carlisle mayor Craig Johnston has voiced his anger at the job losses at Border and fears news coverage in the area will be hard hit.
The leading RMT Union official added: “The potential loss of other Border programmes specially focused and themed on our unique cross border identity is nothing short of an attack on our culture.
“There isn’t anything to commend this decision. It can be summed up simply as bad news.
“If anyone has the power to reverse this decision they should do it without delay.”
The revamped ITV setup is likely to take effect from next year, with Ofcom expected to present its final recommendation on the local merger to the Government early in 2009.
CStory@cngroup.co.uk
As a west cumbrian I want my local news to be local. It should deal with the County Council, local council news and genuine news which has meaning for Cumbrians. Over the past year a whole host of 'job creation' presenters have been foisted on us. Compared to Look North they have little humour and often look like startled rabbits facing the camera. I blame the production team for accepting poor performance. A few weeks ago I saw Kerry Gosney co-hosting a friday night item. She was so at ease and professional in her presentation. I could go on to mention the opening titles which set a poor tone for what is to come and the clothes given to the female presenters. ( i hope they don't buy them themselves.)
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As someone who lives in the Border - Granada overlap area I have to say I wish we were being absorbed into the Granada region, so much more professional, they serve south Cumbria really well, better than Tyne Tees will ever serve the rest of the county!!
Border has had its day in my opinion, im not interested in whats going on in Dumfries or the Scottish parliament, but to replace it with Tyne Tees is pure stupidity! We are in the North West not the North East!!!
Posted by Dave on 11 November 2008 kl. 22:18