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Academic partners join Tyne Tees and Border consortium

Teesside University and Newcastle College have joined as partners of the Tyne Tees and Border consortium which is bidding to run the regional TV news pilot in England.

Two weeks ago CN Group were also confirmed as partners of the consortium which was originally set up by Trinity Mirror, Press Association and Ten Alps.

Vice-Chancellor of Teesside University, Professor Graham Henderson, said: "Teesside University is very enthusiastic about the development of a local television service in the Tees Valley and looks forward to supporting its growth.

"As a Skillset Media Academy the university is already recognised for its expertise in this area and provides both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in television and media production.

"The convergence of television with the internet also offers significant opportunities for the university and its industry partners to be at the forefront of both technology and programme-making in a digital, multiplatform future."

Chief Executive Jackie Fisher from Newcastle College Group, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this bid and look forward to working with our partners in the consortium. Newcastle College offers a wide range of specialist courses, including those associated with the creative and media industries.

"This is an innovative partnership which will be of immense value to the region. It offers our students and staff a unique opportunity to contribute to the provision of local and regional news, taking full advantage of the college's specialist facilities and working on live projects alongside media professionals. It will ensure that we can respond to the rapidly changing media industry and further strengthen the employability skills that our students need to succeed in their future careers."

Neil Benson (pictured), spokesman for the consortium, said: "Teesside University and Newcastle College bring a fresh dimension to our bid. We have enjoyed close and very successful relationships with both these academic institutions in the past so we know they have a hugely positive outlook, excellent facilities and a very talented and eager body of students who will contribute a great deal to the bid."