The people of Wales are being urged to have their say on the future of local news broadcasting in the principality.

The Independently Funded News Consortia (IFNC) pilots selection panel will be visiting Cardiff next Wednesday, February 3rd, to hold a public meeting with the three bidders for the Wales pilot.

The meeting will take place from 3-4pm at the Wales Millennium Centre, Bute Place, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5AL.

Three groups are bidding to run a pilot news broadcast which would replace ITV Wales' current service later this year.

The three bidders are:
ITN with Newsquest, Northcliffe Media, Tindle, Boomerang and ITV Wales news staff;
Tinopolis;
UTV with NWN Media Ltd.

Richard Hooper, Chairman of the IFNC selection panel said that the meeting will be an opportunity for local people to have their say about local news on television, radio, local newspapers and the web.

He also wants local people to be able to question the bidders about their proposals to deliver a new innovative local and regional news service across multiple platforms in Wales.

Secretary of State for Wales Peter Hain has welcomed the chance for people in Wales to air their opinions.

Mr Hain said: “This public meeting is a great opportunity for everyone to have their say on the future of news broadcasting in Wales.

"It is vital that we continue to have diversity and plurality in Wales which includes quality news broadcasting on channel 3 and a buoyant and sustainable Welsh print/multi-media sector. I would encourage people to come along on the 3rd February and have their say.”