The TV industry is an important part of the UK's economy. The industry invests around £4bn a year in UK-made content, employs 132,0000 and produces programmes that entertain audiences across the world.
ITV is the UK's biggest commercial investor in television content.
In 2011 alone we spent around £1 billion on programming for our family of channels.
With this level of investment comes a significant responsibility that goes beyond our regulatory requirements outlined in our Responsible broadcasting section.
We are committed to making programmes in the UK, and have set targets for commissioning home-grown productions that exceed regulatory requirements. We also make programmes for other broadcasters, both in the UK and abroad.
London remains the location for many productions, but we increasingly invest in the creative economy elsewhere in the country. Making programmes in smaller towns or rural areas can bring considerable economic benefits because production teams on location spend money on accommodation, catering, transportation and other locally-sourced services.
ITV Studios already operates a major production centre in Manchester and Leeds. Our regional newsrooms employ journalists, technical and support staff across the country.
In 2012 we began our Manchester base move to MediaCityUK at Salford Quays. This activity will continue across 2013. This includes building a new bespoke, high-tech production centre for Coronation Street. We are working with Manchester City Council to ensure that our existing site at Quay Street is regenerated and have put together a plan for residential, commercial and leisure use.
We create jobs directly at our offices and studios, hire freelancers, buy in technical expertise and in addition to the above, a large percentage of the content we broadcast is commissioned from other production company suppliers.
Maintaining our leading role in the industry relies on attracting, retaining and developing talented people - our greatest assets. Their skills, creativity, knowledge and dedication help to drive the growth of ITV and ensure the long term sustainability of our business.
