The former head of ITV news for the south of England has joined KMTV.

Robin Britton will take up his post as channel director of Kent's only dedicated TV station on September 19.

KMTV is a unique partnership between KM Media Group and the University of Kent. Broadcasting from a purpose-built studio at the Medway campus, it is the county’s first dedicated television channel, delivering news, sport and entertainment around the clock.

Robin studied at the University of Kent where he was President of Kent Union and edited the student newspaper before joining ITV.

His long association with news broadcasting in Kent dates from 1984 when he worked as a trainee journalist for TVS, the South and South East’s ITV channel before Meridian took over in 1993.

After working as a reporter, news editor and programme editor at TVS, he joined ITV Meridian and in 2011 took overall charge of the 3 ITV Meridian regions as Head of News.

Head of the Centre for Journalism and Director of KMTV, Professor Tim Luckhurst welcomed the new appointment.

He said: "Everyone at KMTV is delighted that Robin has agreed to lead the Channel as it continues to grow and serve the community in its post launch phase.

"In addition to his editorial and commercial experience, Robin is a Kent graduate who met his wife at the University and served as President of Kent Union."

KM Group editorial director Ian Carter said: "KMTV has got off to a fantasic start, and attracting a channel director of Robin's experience will mean we can go from strength to strength."

Robin said: "KMTV is part of one of the most joined-up news organisations in the UK. KMTV journalists work alongside colleagues from kmfm, KentOnline and the KM Group’s extensive stable of newspapers.

"This, combined with the access we have to the expertise on so many subject areas at the University of Kent, means it’s a formidable newsgathering operation."

The centrepiece of KMTV’s schedule is Kent Tonight, an hour-long news programme broadcasting every week day at 5.30pm on Freeview 7 and Virgin 159. KMTV can also be viewed online.