Ex-ITN chief Mark Wood joins Scottish News Consortium

FORMER ITN chief executive Mark Wood was yesterday appointed chairman of the Scottish News Consortium, one of the groups bidding for ITV's regional news operation in Scotland.

The Scottish News Consortium, includes DC Thomson, Herald & Times Group, Johnston Press, owners of The Scotsman, and Tinopolis, an independent media producer.

Scots broadcaster STV leads a rival bid with ITN and Bauer Media. Wood was ITN's chief executive from June 2003 to March 2009, and previously its chairman.

A Scottish News Consortium spokesman said: "Mark brings experience at the most senior levels in British television news and a sophisticated understanding of the multi-platform world."

Bidding closes on 2 March, and the winner will be announced on 25 March. The pilot scheme will be funded from the section of BBC licence fee currently allocated to digital TV switchover.