The latest ITV news, headlines and analysis from The NE Times.
Rugby union's Nations Championship is set to launch without its expected Qatar Airways title branding after the proposed sponsorship, worth around £80m, was put on hold amid Middle East uncertainty.
Reports say the commercial broadcaster is drawing larger audiences than the BBC for key tournament moments, raising the stakes for advertisers and rights buyers.
The US women's coach used her latest ITV World Cup appearance to honour her late father, reframing a week clouded by a sexist 'kitchen' jibe into a broader case for why representation in broadcast teams matters.
Chief executive Dame Carolyn McCall has told staff the broadcaster will cut around 200 roles across its media and entertainment, commercial and technology divisions in a drive to save £50m a year.