2. Letter from the Chairman of ITC to
Mr Julian Brazier MP
Thank you for your letter of 19 November.
Your letter was prompted by speculation about
Meridian's plans for their operations in the South-East. We have
had detailed discussions with them and it is unfortunate that
many have been misled about the nature of the proposals.
Developments in technology and working practices
mean that it is legitimate for broadcasters to examine how they
deliver the requisite range and quality of programmes. Meridian
are moving to a new news centre in the Maidstone area and out
of their current premises in the next 6-12 months. They plan to
transfer the actual presentation of the news along with some production
journalists to their main studio centre (also moving to near Southampton).
However, we have been given detailed information that the location
reporting staff in the South-East will remain at its present strength
as will the camera teams. The regional editor, news editor, programme
producer and several other newsroom-based journalists will also
remain in the sub-region.
Meridian have given us the necessary assurances
that the volume, quality and sub-regional focus of their news
service for the South-East will not be diminished. The new state-of-the-art
news centre in Maidstone will have a fully equipped newsroom and
mini-studio with two-way transmission lines for down-the-line
interviews, edit equipment and be supported by a dedicated satellite
links truck to cover breaking stories and allow presentation from
other locations in the South-East. In these circumstances there
is no requirement for any licence variation.
I hope I have been able to reassure you that
although there are to be some changes in premises and employment
of staff, these are in our view consequences of technology advances
and will not impact adversely on services.
26 November 2003
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