ITV Increases Programming Budget For 2002
ITV is increasing its programming budget for 2002 by £28m to strengthen ITV1’s schedule for the second half of the year. The broadcaster has also announced a package of measures to modernise its regional services.
The additional investment in ITV1 will supplement the £750m already committed to programming for 2002 and is designed to strengthen the channel’s drama and entertainment output, whilst giving a much needed boost to ITV’s daytime schedule.
David Liddiment, ITV’s director of channels said: “This new investment is good news for ITV1’s viewers, programme makers and advertisers. It will allow us to fund more high quality programming, strengthen ITV1’s schedule and increase our competitiveness in the market.”
ITV has also published a new Charter for Broadcasting in the Nations and Regions, which is designed to safeguard the future of its regional network.
Commenting on the charter, Liddiment said: “New commitments are being made to ITV’s regional network that will protect its unique service to viewers and local communities and boost regional production. A £2 million fund will be established for investment in regional productions for the network, alongside a commitment by ITV to spend at least half its annual commissioned programme budget outside London. ITV companies will also invest an additional £1 million in regional programming this year.
The modernisation of ITV’s regional schedules, agreed by the Independent Television Commission will maintain a high quality service to viewers while making ITV1’s overall service more coherent.
There will be a new common pattern of regional programme hours in the English regions, with higher levels in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A greater proportion of regional programmes will be shown in and near peak time, and key regional slots are guaranteed in ITV licences.
Regional news on ITV1 will be enhanced under the new arrangements. An extra 30 minutes of regional news will be broadcast in peak time as the late evening news moves earlier to join ITV News at Ten. Half of ITV’s licensees will adopt increased regional news obligations.”
ITV: 020 7843 8000 www.itv.co.uk
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