| In 1997, when Grampian and Scottish Television
proposed a merger, Frank led an All-Party campaign to ensure the regional
identity of Grampian Television was maintained when the Scottish Media Group
transferred its operations to Glasgow.
Frank raised this issue with the ITC and SMG
Management on behalf of all Grampian Television viewers and local employees.
At that time, he received a firm assurance from
the Chair of the Independent Television Commission that, if there was any
evidence that the two separate franchises for Scottish Television and Grampian
Television were being operated as one franchise, then the SMG would be forced to
apply for a renewal of their licences in open competitive tender, rather than
have them automatically renewed under existing legislation.
In January 2000, Scottish Media Group announced
a number of redundancies of top production staff at their Aberdeen and Glasgow
studios. They proposed to reduce wages and salaries and ignore existing union
agreements. In discussion with unions at Grampian Television, it was clear to
Frank that there was a gradual removal of production control from Aberdeen which
was a breach of the licensing conditions.
Frank, subsequently, compiled a dossier of
evidence received from the Broadcasting Unions (BECTU and NUJ) at Scottish Media
Group (owners and operators of the Grampian Television franchise). He sent this
dossier to the Independent Television Commission, the Industry watchdog.
On 18 February 2000, Scottish Media Group made
two Grampian Studio and Outside Broadcast Producer/Directors redundant. Following the submission of the dossier, Frank received a response from the
Chairman of the ITC. In his reply, the Chairman confirmed his concerns at the
points made by the broadcasting unions at Grampian Television.
In May 2000, after a thorough inquiry into the
complaints that Scottish Media Group had reduced the regional identity of
Grampian Television in breach of their legal obligations, the ITC concluded in
its report that the company's actions were 'unacceptable'.
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