MERIDIAN Broadcasting has confirmed that it is going back to its television roots by switching newsgathering operations to Maidstone Studios.

But it is not yet clear how many staff will make the switch to the newsroom. Uncertainty over their future has prompted some to leave for other jobs. Consultations with remaining staff are still going on.

Lindsay Charlton, Meridian’s managing director, told staff: "We will be holding a series of meetings with your representatives to discuss specific questions that you have raised in regards to our editorial plan, technology and the admin review."

A trade union spokesman said there were bigger issues at stake than the return to the premises some staff regard as their natural home.

Just over 20 people would switch to the new Maidstone Studios operation. Around 30 staff now at New Hythe would lose their jobs before the move, he warned.

Editorial staff, engineering and administrative staff would all be going, and several journalists were looking for new jobs. "It's technical wipeout," he said, adding: "There is a very serious risk that we are losing key staff."

The impressive Maidstone Studios were built for TVS, the company that held ITV's broadcasting licence before Meridian won the franchise in the mid-1990s.

Meridian decided not to keep the Maidstone operation and moved to an industrial site in New Hythe.

The studios at Vinters Park were sold to Flextech before being bought a couple of years ago by a consortium led by former BBC producer Geoff Miles.

Meridian staff will be based in the former TVS newsroom. The new bureau will occupy 3,000 square feet and be the main base for reporters, craft editors and camera crews for Meridian's South-East news service. Sales staff will also be based there.

Mr Charlton said: "The Maidstone Studios is a modern building with good motorway access in the heart of our South-East news area. Our bureau will have its own reception area, ample parking, and staff will have use of the studio restaurant.

"Whilst we have looked at other premises, The Maidstone Studios has always been my preferred option, and I am sure the decision will be popular with the news team."

Mr Miles, managing director of the studios, said: "We are pleased to welcome ITV Meridian and their news bureau staff to Vinters Park.

"I believe the decision confirms ITV's ongoing commitment to regional broadcasting and to Maidstone in particular as the centre of the South East Media hub".

The decision does not affect plans to transfer presentation of Meridian Tonight and other news programmes to studios in Hampshire.

Bosses hope to switch off Kent presentation, despite fierce opposition from staff and leading figures in the county, when the Hampshire complex is fully operational. Meridian chiefs are still looking for a second news bureau in Ashford.

Meridian expects to leave its current premises in New Hythe by the end of 2004.