By Chris Story

Last updated at 11:20, Saturday, 07 February 2009

The first new-look Lookaround news bulletin will be broadcast on Wednesday February 25.

Its transmission will mark the end of an era in Cumbria – signalling the end of programme production in Carlisle.

The revamped programme, the result of a controversial merger between ITV Border and Tyne Tees, will be broadcast from Gateshead.

ITV has confirmed the date of the change, which sparked vigorous protest across the region.

The new Lookaround will feature just 15 minutes of dedicated coverage from the Border region – Cumbria, southern Scotland and the Isle of Man with the rest of the programme covering the entire region.

ITV chiefs have insisted it will be first-class coverage.

The end of broadcasting in Carlisle will also lead to the closure of Border’s Durranhill studios, which are now up for sale. A new smaller base will be opened in the city.

The merger, a result of cost-cutting by ITV in the wake of increased competition from digital channels, has also meant the loss of 50 jobs in Carlisle.

Tyne Tees sports presenter Ian Payne and Pam Royle, of North East Today, will front the new Lookaround, which will continue to air at 6pm for 30 minutes.

A Border-only late-night bulletin will be shown after News at Ten.

Popular existing frontman Tim Backshall and reporter John Bevir will become correspondents for the Border region. Fiona Armstrong will present features. Another current Lookaround presenter, Helen Pearson, will be the new face of breakfast bulletins shown during GMTV.

The reporting team includes Hannah Lomas (Carlisle), Stuart Pollitt (Whitehaven), Victoria Hoe (Kendal), Olivia Richwald (Dumfries), Lee Madan (Selkirk) and Kathryn Samson (Edinburgh).

First published at 09:09, Saturday, 07 February 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk