A MAJOR provider of television news is to partner the University of Sunderland in a new media project - which may help shape the North-East's future news provision.

ITN, which makes ITV's News at Ten and Channel 4 News, will be broadcast partner for the university's David Puttnam Media Centre, home to a radio station, two television studios, high definition and post-production kit as well as more than 1,000 academics and students.

It comes after the university recently joined the ITN-led consortium to bid for the recently announced Independently Funded News Consortia (IFNC) pilot project to replace ITV as broadcast news providers for the North-East and Cumbria.

The consortium also includes Newsquest, publishers of The Northern Echo, Johnston Press, publishers of the Sunderland Echo and Metro Radio.

Graeme Thompson, Dean of Arts, Design and Media at Sunderland University, said: "The multi-million pound investment in journalism and media resources at Sunderland means we can play a significant role in shaping the news provision of the future."

The partnership, which will see ITN's managing editor Robin Elias join the university's media advisory board, will result in collaboration on work placements, master classes and research.

Mr Elias said: "I have been impressed at the resources and the ambitions of the media centre at Sunderland.

"I look forward to ITN being able to work with staff and students at the university."

Mr Thompson, a former ITV executive, said the relationship with ITN would carry on - whatever the outcome of the bidding process, which is due to be decided by the Government in March.

The other consortia bidding for the licence includes an alliance of Trinity Mirror, which publishes the Evening Gazette, Journal and Chronicle; Ten Alps, Cumbrian Newspapers and the Press Association. The third bid is from Ulster Television.