A management shakeup at Border TV has left campaigners fearing a stealth merger with Tyne Tees television.
Former Tyne Tees managing director Graeme Thompson has replaced Paddy Merrall – and will be responsible for both areas.
The move triggered fears that ITV is pressing ahead with merger plans which have yet to be considered by broadcast watchdog Ofcom.
Carlisle MP Eric Martlew, one of those opposed to the merger, is to write to senior network executives over his concerns.
He says appointing someone from Tyne Tees signals that Border will close and move to Gateshead.
If approved, the news merger of Border and Tyne Tees would go ahead next year, killing off Lookaround, which would be replaced by a programme broadcast from the North East of England including a mini-bulletin for Cumbria, southern Scotland and the Isle of Man.
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