Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Demise of Teletext News Service a 'disappointment'

Published: 21 July, 2009

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan has expressed his disappointment that the ITV teletext news service to analogue customers will end in January 2010, two years ahead of schedule, owners Associated Newspapers, a division of the Daily Mail and General Trust, has announced recently.

Mr. Boylan said;

"It is disappointing to see this public service withdrawn, many people have turned to the news pages on teletext to get the most up to date news available; especially at times when there is relevant news to the Armagh City and District area."

The Sinn Féin MLA went on, ''With so many other media outlets available, including internet and mobile phone technology, this non public funded service is just not financially viable, but many will be sad that they will not be able to access news and information provided directly into their home with the press of a remote control.''

''It looks like most of the Teletext pages on terrestrial television will no longer be available, and only a very limited service, such as holiday and commercial services, on digital formats. Thankfully at present there are no plans to remove the subtitle service, which is a boon for anyone who has problems with their hearing; we can but hope that financial pressures do not impact upon these as well.''

(Note for editors, page 139 teletext gives a breakdown of services which will no longer be available on ITV channels.)