ITV to cut 1,000 jobs including 430 in news

ITV, the largest commercial broadcaster, is to cut around 1,000 jobs including 430 from its news department as part of a cost-cutting drive sparked by challenging market conditions, it said.

The broadcaster said it had already reduced its overall group headcount by almost 425 positions and a further 75 roles are in the final stages of consultation, following a restructuring of certain departments including finance and press.

"We are committed to a self-help, self-funding solution to securing ITV's future," chief operating officer John Cresswell said in a statement. "In order to sustain our investment in UK content we have to keep on top of our cost base."

In total, and including company disposals, ITV expects to reduce headcount by around 1,000 posts over this year and the first two months of next year, it said. The group currently has a headcount of around 5,500, a spokesman said.

ITV has proposed restructuring its model for providing regional news which will allow it to make £40 million of savings.

It also started a separate review of its technology department.