ITV News Lookaround 2013 – Present

On January 14, 2013, ‘Lookaround’ updated its graphics to align with ITV’s new corporate branding, while the studio layout remained the same.

Previously, in November 2012, Culture Secretary Maria Miller tasked Ofcom with reviewing proposals for ITV’s Border region in response to viewer dissatisfaction. The considerations were twofold: one option was to reinstate a comprehensive news service specifically for the Border region, which would include restoring the half-hour ‘Lookaround’ editions and short news updates, along with the introduction of a weekly current affairs programme tailored to the region. The alternative proposal was to require ITV Border to offer 90 minutes of non-news programming weekly, potentially featuring content from STV.

These options divided political entities, with no clear consensus on the preferred approach. The debate intensified after ITV failed to broadcast the first televised Scottish independence debate, which was available in Northern and Central Scotland via STV’s ‘Scotland Tonight’.

Ultimately, Ofcom decided to implement both proposals. As a result, on September 16, 2013, ‘Lookaround’ was reinstated as a full news service. However, broadcasts continued from the Gateshead studio, despite the changes.