Ofcom: Lords will be consulted over ITV news cuts
- Published: 14 November 2007 17:24
- Last Updated: 15 November 2007 08:38
ITV could face even more political opposition to its plans to cut back on regional news after Ofcom reassured members of the House of Lords that it will listen to their concerns.
Chief executive Ed Richards surprised peers by telling them that ITV executive chairman Michael Grade had yet to submit formal proposals for merging regional newsrooms, which has sparked a political backlash among MPs from all parties and a critical reaction from media secretary James Purnell.
Lord Fowler, chair of the cross-party House of Lords communication committee, told Richards that peers had been "given the impression it was a fait accompli".
But Richards told the committee Ofcom had not begun the consultation process and that it expected to be handed the formal proposals "later in the year".
Richards assured peers the regulator would assess their views "fully and properly before any decision is made".
Two weeks ago, Purnell appeared to side with MPs who have appealed to Ofcom to reject the proposals.
