Meridian Broadcasting, the ITV franchise-holder for the South and
South East, is seeking to fill the new post of corporate and commercial
affairs controller.
The position will combine the existing press and PR responsibilities of
public affairs head John Morrell, due to retire in April, with a new
marketing role designed to maximise the commercial opportunities
available to Meridian.
The corporate chief will report to Meridian managing director Mary
McAnally and oversee the company’s relations with the press, viewers and
community organisations in the Meridian region, currently handled by a
12-strong team under Morrell.
In addition, the post will market Meridian’s production facilities,
in-house design unit, Meridian Business TV - which makes corporate
videos - and the company’s internet activities. Marketing was previously
handled on an ad hoc basis by different departments within Meridian.
Senior press officer Alison Pope said: ’All the responsibilities deal
with outside bodies - the press, the public, or the commercial world.’
She added that the company had not yet decided whether the restructure
would require new staff.
Meridian is based in Southampton and is owned by United News and
Media.
It was awarded the ITV franchise for the South and South East almost six
years ago.
