ITN, the news provider for the UK's main commercial channel ITV, has been told it can continue to provide news until 2012, with nominated news provider status (NNP).

The Independent Television Commission said ITN fulfilled requirements including being effectively equipped and adequately financed to provide high quality national and international news.

ITN's news services have justified their high reputation over the years and have certainly brought credit to ITV

ITC chairman Sir Robin Biggam

ITN won the six-year contract to continue to provide ITV's news last year, but the competitive bidding meant it was forced to cut jobs in December 2001.

ITC chairman Sir Robin Biggam said: "The ITC regards the maintenance of high quality national and international news as an absolutely vital element in the delivery of statutory public service obligations placed on Channel 3. "

But the ITC was aware of "increasing pressure" on resources, and that funding appeared to be extremely tight to deliver these objectives, he added.

Katie Derham is also a familiar face on ITN

He said the commission would continue to monitor news delivery on ITV "closely" in the period ahead.

The ITC would also want ITV to continue to pay extra for significant or protracted international stories from ITN.

ITN was last awarded NNP status in January 1993, for a period of 10 years.

The award of ITV's news contract must go to an organisation which has NNP status.

ITN beat a rival bid from the Channel 3 consortium, involving satellite station Sky News.

There are currently "no other companies with this status", according to the ITC.

A consortium consisting of Bloomberg LP, BSkyB, CBS News, Chrysalis Group plc and Ulster Television plc was awarded NNP status last year, but they have since withdrawn as an NNP.