OFCOM AND ITV BORDER TO DEBATE FUTURE OF REGIONAL PROGRAMMING AT BORDERS DIGITAL FORUM

3.25.13pm GMT Wed 30th Jan 2008

Local people will soon have the chance to put their views on the future of Border Television to senior people in the broadcasting industry at the next meeting of the Borders Digital Forum on Friday 8 February.

The Director of Content at Ofcom, Kate Stross, the Managing Director of ITV Border, Paddy Merrall, and well-known local broadcaster Alistair Moffat are set to take part in a "lively debate" on the future of regional broadcasting.

Regional broadcasting is one of the most controversial issues of the digital switchover process. ITV Chairman Michael Grade has already announced that he intends to reduce the number of regional news services in the UK from 17 to 9. Under his plans, ITV Border will be merged with Tyne Tees.

Ofcom has expressed concern about the future of regional news programmes in the digital age and has said that ITV may need extra public funding to keep its remaining regional services in operation after 2012. But local broadcaster Alistair Moffat has accused Ofcom of already allowing regional programming in the Borders to be damaged.

The three representatives are being brought together by local MP Michael Moore to debate these issues at what will be the sixth meeting of the Borders Digital Forum a week on Friday from 11am at Tweed Horizons Business Centre.

Any member of the public who wishes to attend should contact Michael Moore's parliamentary office on 01896 663 650 for further details.

Mr Moore said:

"I am delighted that this high calibre group is coming together to debate one of the most important issues in broadcasting affecting the Borders. It is vital that both ITV and Ofcom learn about local attitudes towards these developments. I look forward to their participation and a lively debate."