STV, ITN and Bauer to join forces for news pilot
A consortium has been formed between STV, ITN and Bauer Media to bid for the Independently Funded News Consortia (IFNC) new pilot scheme in Scotland, known as the Scottish New Network.
The companies will pitch for public funding for the pilot with the Scottish News Network looking to handle newsgathering and production resources for national, Scottish and local content across several platforms including television and radio.
Rob Woodward, chief executive of STV, explained: “As the current provider of television news on the Channel 3 Network in Scotland, we believe that our track record in production and innovation, our strong ratings for our news service, combined with the additional expertise from ITN and Bauer will result in a compelling and exciting proposition. We are delighted to launch this strategic partnership with these highly regarded, complementary media organisations. Our consortium will create a wide-reaching new delivery model, helping to ensure the continuation of a well-funded, comprehensive and high quality news service on Channel 3 in Scotland.”
John Hardie, chief executive officer of ITN said that the station was proud to be working on the pilot with its partners and that ITN’s experience and technical capabilities mean that they will offer ‘the most comprehensive independent news service’ for Scotland.
Graham Bryce, managing director for Bauer Radio Scotland, added: "As Scotland’s number one commercial radio operator, Bauer Media reaches around 1.7m people on air and on line every week with must have news, sport and entertainment. The expertise of our Award-winning local reporters and sports journalists is reflected in the calibre and extent of our existing coverage.”
Bryce concluded: “Harnessing our existing strength as a trusted news source and coming together with leading TV broadcasters STV and ITN to bid for the IFNC news pilot scheme will enable us all to develop an innovative, multi-platform approach to news gathering, production and broadcast in Scotland that I have no doubt will significantly benefit listeners and viewers across the country.”