The Tyne Tees and Borders pilot, in addition to one in Scotland and Wales, will trial so-called Independently Funded News Consortia.
It is envisaged that these consortia - to be comprised of press, radio and TV groups - will be part-funded by the cash currently designated for digital TV switchover.
As well as broadcasting in the regional news slots on Channel 3, presently used by ITV franchises in England and STV in Scotland, the consortia will be expected to provide increased local news in other parts of the Channel 3 schedule and via other media.
Interested parties looking to take part in the pilots have been given until 11 December to express interest. All pilots are expected to be up and running during 2010.
Culture secretary Ben Bradshaw said the recent flooding in Cumbria showed the importance of high-quality local news.
He added: "It is clear that people want high-quality local news from more than one source.
"These three pilot programmes are a key step to preserving the long-term future of regional news."
It had been expected that the contract for the English region pilot would go to a regionally focused consortia of publishers.
However, speaking at a Westminster Media Forum last month, ITN chief executive John Hardie said no one could deliver English regional news "as effectively" as ITN.
.jpg)
.jpg)