ITV sets up mentor scheme

ITV is establishing a new mentoring and investment pro - gramme to meet the changing “needs and expectations” of young people.

Studio 55 Ventures will offer training and support to young media entrepreneurs, as well as funding of £10,000 per team.

ITV has said it hopes the new programme will “create radical new businesses and experiences that will shape the way the next generation consumes media”. It also aims to break down the barriers to starting a media company, which the broadcaster hopes will open doors to diverse talent.

The broadcaster is looking for eight teams of entrepre - neurs, who have ideas that are “deeply ambitious, unique and can use ITV’S existing audiences, assets and data to be successful”.

ITV will eventually select a small number of businesses in which to invest with members of the successful teams invited to join ITV full time.