CHANNEL 5 REQUEST CHANGES TO NEWS OUTPUT

Channel 5 have sent a request to OFCOM, proposing schedule changes to 5News.

The proposal would see an hour long show from 5pm, and the channel ditch the two separate bulletins.

Channel 5 say: “5 News has a loyal audience base and this proposal is motivated by the desire to continue to offer accurate and impartial news in a format that is accessible and relevant to our viewers. During the pandemic, news has played a vital service for audiences and as viewing habits evolve 5 News is keen to appeal to our viewers through a new offer that we believe also has benefits for the wider public-service broadcasting system.”

Their request to Ofcom adds: "Accordingly, it is our request that Channel 5 has its obligation for a news programme “in the midevening” removed and its ‘Peak Time’ obligation reduce from 120 hours to 20 hours accordingly. It is our intention to continue to broadcast the headlines in Peak Time (currently 1955 and 2055) to fulfil our revised Peak Time obligation. Our commitment to a minimum of 280 hours should remain as Channel 5 does not wish to alter the overall amount of news broadcast on its service."

A decision will be made over the coming months.