Plans for TV news service move forward

PLANS to create another Scottish television news service on STV have taken a step forward.

The Government has given the go-ahead for three of the country's biggest news groups – including the owners of the Evening News – to bid for the job.

A winner is expected to be announced in March.

The Scottish News Consortium – comprising Johnston Press, DC Thomson, the Herald and Times Group and one of Britain's largest independent television producers, Tinopolis – hopes to secure the contact.

A consortium spokesman said: "We are delighted to go forward with what we regard as an unbeatable combination of reporting expertise and resources with a very powerful television company and innovative multi-platform plans."

The group proposes "fresh and creative solutions for Scottish and local news on television", as well as using the internet and other digital platforms to "meet consumer needs".

To secure the contract the group must battle competition from another consortium comprising STV and Bauer.