TELEVISION news programmes could be hit on Tuesday (April 18)when ITV Meridian journalists in Maidstone join a 24-hour nationwide strike.

Members of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) are to picket outside the gates of Maidstone Studios in New Cut Road in a dispute over pay and new technology.

The strike is part of a day of action involving hundreds of NUJ members working for ITV regional news programmes across the country.

Meridian’s headquarters in Whiteley, Hampshire, is also likely to be affected.

The NUJ says the stoppage is the first in a series that follows a long-running dispute over the introduction of digital editing technology and changes to working practices for journalists.

Derek Johnson, NUJ Father of Chapel Maidstone, said: "It is unfortunate that journalists have been forced into taking this action. We are dismayed that ITV has refused thus far to address any of our concerns.

"It is a simple principle of being compensated for taking on new and increased responsibilities."

An NUJ ballot for strike action was taken earlier this year, with a majority in favour of industrial action.

In the past few years, there have been major changes at Meridian designed to cut costs as ITV became a single company.

Almost half the editorial and technical staff previously based at the studios in New Hythe, New Maidstone, were laid off as presentation largely moved to Whiteley,

ITV Meridian has opened new studios in Maidstone but much of the operation is now controlled from Hampshire.