ITN has confirmed it has agreed terms with ITV for a new six-year
contract worth in excess of £250m, for the production of ITV News until
the end of 2012. The contract, subject to Ofcom approval and the
conclusion of a legally binding agreement by the end of May 2007,
covers both ITV's network and London regional news programming.
ITV will invest over £15 million in a complete technological upgrade of ITN's news operations for ITV as part of the deal.
ITN
said in a statement that the new contract would also increase funding
for coverage, in particular one-off exclusives such as Three Degrees
From Disaster series and its follow-up from Antarctica, The Big Melt.
Simon
Shaps, Director of Television at ITV, said: "News is a key part of
ITV's programming mix and in a multi-channel world plays an
increasingly important role in distinguishing and defining the channel.
ITV is committed to the provision of high quality, independent,
impartial news and ITN delivers just that."
Related
Mark Wood, Chief
Executive of ITN, said: "To secure a six-year commitment at a time of
such rapid change in the media industry is a tremendous vote of
confidence in ITN by ITV. We look forward to continuing to provide
informative, agenda-setting and award-winning programmes and delivering
strong ratings for ITV."
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