Ofcom 'to allow' ITV regional news cuts

Ofcom will allow ITV to reduce its regional news commitments as part of a package of reforms to the UK's public service broadcasting regulatory framework, according to a document leaked to The Guardian today.

The regulator, which prepared the document for the second phase of its public service broadcasting review, will allow ITV to proceed with plans to cut regional news in "sub-regions", and also reduce its current affairs and out-of-London production quotas. It will not, however, be allowed to merge Border and Westcountry with neighbouring Channel 3 franchises.

Other plans outlined in the document include breaking the direct link between the television licence fee and the BBC, by sharing "excess" fee monies after digital switchover to other broadcasters such as Channel 4 starting in 2012.

An Ofcom spokesperson denied that any decision "has been made yet with regards to ITV's request to reduce its regional news production".