UTV has launched a bid to run a regional news pilot in the North East and Border Areas of Great Britain.
The company has also applied to run a news pilot in Wales along with Welsh news group NWN Media under the government's three Independently Funded News Consortia (IFNC).
Under the plans bidders are expected to develop a new multiplatform local news model.
As well as broadcasting on the regional news slots on Channel 3 (ITV and stv), the winning organisation will be expected to provide increased local news using multi-media technology.
"UTV is the UK's leading regional television news provider with an unrivalled standard of journalism and of high quality production through our news coverage in Northern Ireland", Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV Television said.
"It is that experience online, on television and on radio that we intend to bring to our proposed BORDER LIVE and NORTH EAST LIVE news services. UTV's pedigree in regional news production is second to none."
UTV has set up two websites www.border-live.tv and www.northeast-live.tv to attract feedback from local people on how they would like their news to be produced, gathered and delivered in the future.
"This type of feedback is extremely important to ensure our proposed service is relevant and specifically targeted to each area," Mr Wilson said.
© UTV News