After the merger of Border and Tyne Tees news, the Communications Commission says the Isle of Man will join Granada from Thursday, July 16.

The move comes after a consultation exercise last year on what Manx TV viewers would rather receive with 77 per cent voting for Granada.

The change has been brought forward. Initially it was to come into effect after Granada's digital switchover later this year but ITV says it will set up a system to allow the change when the Island’s transmitters switch to digital.

Mike Blair, ITV’s regional director, says Granada will hold talks with the Communications Commission to make sure news stories on the Island are covered properly.