MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire John Lamont has welcomed news that Ofcom have decided to approve an enhanced coverage of Scottish issues in the area covered by ITV's Border licence that lies in Scotland. In addition to reinstating the full 30 minutes of Lookaround weekday evening news relevant to the region, Ofcom has recommended that a further weekly 90 minutes of regional programming is broadcast for viewing in the Scottish part of the Border region, which may be shared with STV.
Mr Lamont will meet ITV bosses in the coming weeks to discuss their plans for the news service following Ofcom's announcment.
John Lamont MSP said
"It is very clear from the many letters and emails that I have had from constituents on this issue that they wanted to see a return to a news service that was more focussed on our area. When the decision was taken to merge Border TV with the Tyne Tees region, many people were hugely upset as it meant we lost a news service tailored to our area.
"Ofcom’s own research shows viewers in the Borders are not interested in news from other areas but rather want more news and information about what is going on in their local area.
"I am pleased that Ofcom have approved plans which will see a return to the type of news service which we had prior to the merger of the Border and Tyne Tees. However, we must also ensure that ITV go ahead with their plans to produce local current affairs programming in addition to the news service. When I meet with ITV in the coming weeks, I will be making it clear that this is what local viewers will be hoping for."