ITC Publishes Findings Into Grampian Complaint

The Independent Television Commission (ITC) has today published its findings into an investigation into the Grampian licence, after concerns were raised regarding its regional and co-produced output. The franchise, which operates in the north of Scotland under the ownership of the Scottish Media Group, was the subject of a number of complaints from MP’s and trade unions.

The commission found that over the last two years, regional programme slots had been cut back or moved to less accessible times, while others had been co-produced, all of which was “not acceptable.” As a result it has asked for the following changes to be made: the franchise must transmit two peak time half-hour slots of programmes made specifically for Grampian viewers; a further regional half-hour slot of Gaelic programmes must be broadcast; and the specific north of Scotland appeal in Grampian’s own regional productions must be increased.

While co-productions lead to increased resources, they also lessen the regional appeal and the ITC has asked for the origin of programming to be made clear, and for more in-house productions to be commissioned.

ITC: 020 7306 7743