ITV NEWS SET FOR EXTENDED MAGAZINE SHOW IN SCHEDULE SHAKE UP

ITV News is set to be extended by 30 minutes and run through to 7:30pm from this Spring.

The move would see the ITV Evening News adopt a "magazine show" format with an extended one hour running time, airing between 6:30-7:30pm weeknights.

The programme will run longer news packages including in depth investigations and conversations with reporters and guests. The move is designed to capitalise on the strong ratings of the ITV Evening News whilst strengthening the ITV evening schedule at relatively low cost.

Official confirmation is expected within the coming days, with changes implemented by April at the latest.

TV Zone understands that the Lunchtime News, Regional News and News At Ten are unaffected.

ITN staff are still to be officially informed of the changes, however rumours have been circulating round the building since October when dozens more job openings were advertised, including new correspondents and editors. ITV News are also set to move out of their current newsroom this Spring whilst it's refurbished.

It's also understood that the ITV Evening News will continue to be led by Mary Nightingale as a solo presenter, with increased contributions by editors and correspondents. Existing ITV News presented will remain in place.

The move would mean changes to the times of Emmerdale and Coronation Street. It is expected that Emmerdale will run half hour episodes from 7:30pm and Coronation Street air 3x60 minute episodes per week. This has not been confirmed by ITV.

ITV and ITN are expected to announce the news in the coming days.