UTV bids for regional news consortium

UTV is set to bid for one of the Government’s planned regional news consortium.

The talkSPORT owner hopes to launch a news consortia in the North East and Border region, which would comprise of TV, radio and press players, according to reports.

The Government is expected to launch pilots across the UK next year in a bid to boost regional news through an Independently Funded News Consortia, which will broadcast on the regional news slots on Channel 3.

UTV Television’s managing director, Michael Wilson, said he hopes to bring UTV’s regional news service “experience online, on television and on radio”.

In preparation, UTV has set up two websites to gain feedback from local residents on what they like to see on regional news, including how they would like their local news to be produced, gathered and delivered.

UTV has also made a bid for Independently Funded News Consortia work in Wales, partnering with NWN Media to form Wales Live.