Exclusive By Dave Gudgeon

Last updated at 10:59, Thursday, 07 February 2008

Help us: Lookaround presenters Tim Backshall and Fiona Armstrong

One of its main aims is to protect the station’s flagship news programme Lookaround and associated jobs which are presently under threat.

An offer, which the News & Star understands was worth up to £12m, has been turned down by ITV bosses but that may not be the end of the matter.

ITV wants to save money by merging the Border news operation with that at Gateshead-based Tyne Tees.

That announcement last autumn prompted a storm of protest from staff, viewers and politicians across the county and beyond.

It is believed the consortium is made up of a number of Cumbrian business figures who want to remain anonymous at this stage.

The group, which has strong Carlisle links, made a bid to take over Border just before Christmas – but their offer is understood to have been rejected.

It is believed members of the consortium are disappointed by that, believing their offer to be a realistic one given Border’s last financial figures that are in the public domain.

ITV Border Limited reported a profit (after tax) of £2,744,153 in the year up to December 31, 2006, on sales of £12,166, 279. Staff costs were £1,631,000 and other costs £7,563,000.

It is understood the consortium is anxious to retain a dialogue with ITV bosses and are now seeking support from other business figures across the wider Border TV area, including the south of Scotland.

Carlisle MP Eric Martlew, who has been heavily involved in the fight to save Lookaround, accused ITV bosses of greed over the threat to the programme.

He said news of the consortium bid and Border’s profitability proved that there was no need for ITV to axe Lookaround.

He said: “What this shows is that there are businessmen who believe Border is making a good profit and figures we have seen show that.

“There is simply no need to destroy Lookaround which is a good product that is appreciated by viewers. ITV is being greedy.”

The fate of Lookaround will be decided by next spring.

Broadcast industry watchdog Ofcom will launch a 10-week consultation in September ahead of making a final decision on its fate in early 2009.

Details of the anticipated timetable emerged during a recent meeting between Mr Martlew and Ofcom official Peter Phillips.

If ITV’s money-saving plans to merge the news operation of Border and Tyne Tees are approved, it would signal the end of Lookaround.

The half-hour programme – Britain’s most-watched regional news magazine – is then likely to be replaced by about 10 minutes of local coverage slotted into nightly news broadcast by Tyne Tees.

Mr Martlew was told by Ofcom chiefs they had received more representation from people over proposed Border changes than any other region.

He said: “They are saying people with concerns should write to them and make proper representation and it will be considered.”

Sign the News & Star’s online petition to save Lookaround at www.newsandstar.co.uk/border.

DGudgeon@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 11:08, Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk