MP Michael Moore has expressed his concerns over Government plans to reform news programming in the UK after the announcement that the Scottish Borders will be amongst the pilot regions for a replacement to existing ITV regional news services.

Ministers have invited bids from those wishing to form consortiums to provide regional ITV1 news programming and other digital services in the pilot areas of north-east England, Cumbria and the Borders. These three pilot schemes are expected to be established before the end of next year, with full roll-out for the rest of the UK in 2013.Michael Moore MP: Borders

Mr Moore led the local campaign against the second class ‘Freeview Lite’ television service that was all that was available to many households in the Borders after the Digital Switchover process began. He has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister for Broadcasting to discuss these latest proposals.

Commenting, Mr Moore said:

‘I welcome that the Government has recognised the inadequacy of the existing Tyne Tees news service in the Borders. The need for a new, financially sustainable arrangement has been evident for some time, but it is far from clear that the proposals announced this afternoon will provide the long-term solution to this problem that is required.

‘The first indication of how effective these plans could be will come when we see which groups are bidding for the new contracts. It is essential that those companies involved know the areas they will serve well, and have a full understanding of the needs and wishes of the local population before they approach the Government.

‘A second and perhaps more significant issue relates to the issue of funding, which remains in dispute. We have had no serious indication from Ministers how these new arrangements will be supported financially in the long term, which means that they run the risk of wasting a substantial amount of money without delivering the quality of service the Borders deserves.

‘I will be meeting with the Minister for Broadcasting at the first available opportunity to discuss these concerns in greater detail.’