The National Union of Journalists has expressed “shock and dismay” at the government’s decision to award none of the licences for regional TV news pilots to existing provider ITN.

ITN had bid for all three of the Scottish, Welsh and North-East pilots but ended up a loser all round when the licences were awarded today.

The NUJ has called the decision “perverse” and accused ministers of ignoring the expertise and professional skills of ITN journalists.

It is now calling on the successful bidders to ensure that existing ITN staff are given jobs in the new operations – but it is far from clear that this will be the case.

NUJ broadcasting organiser Sue Harris said: “While the remit for the consortia is broader than the production of regional news for ITV, it seems almost perverse to ignore the considerable existing experience and professional skills of those who have worked in the industry to provide a public service.

“We made clear at the beginning of the bidding exercise that the unions would insist on the transfer of existing ITV staff to the new ventures, and that remains our position.”

The union has also expressed concern about whether the new operators will abide by the Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment (TUPE) regulations in relation to any former ITN and ITV staff they take on.

ITN had bid for the Welsh pilot in conjunction with Newsquest, Northcliffe Media, Tindle Newspapers and Boomerang, for the Scottish pilot with STV and Bauer Radio, and for Tyne Tees/Borders with Johnston Press, Newsquest and Metro Radio.