Culture secretary Tessa Jowell, is set to approve Ofcom proposals allowing ITV to reduce its commitment to regional programming, despite widespread criticism from MPs, viewers and unions.

The decision, to be contained in the media watchdog's final recommendations on public service broadcasting in late January and ratified by the government shortly afterwards, will prove controversial.

The proposal allows ITV to cut its commitment to non-news programming in the regions from three hours a week to 90 minutes. Among those likely to be affected by the change are programmes such as Dales Diary in Yorkshire and The Week in London.