Following ITV’s announcement that it plans to overhaul its evening schedule, the most controversial aspect of which involves the axing of the Ten O’clock News (see Newsline), the Independent Television Commission (ITC) has invited views on the proposal.
As well as the complete overhaul of the ITV news service, the changes also involve a new current affairs programme, an extension of the range of drama and more original films. ITV announced this afternoon that it has secured a contract with Granada Television for its new 60-minutes style current affairs programme, in which Trevor McDonald will feature as the main presenter. This comes after ITN signed a contract with McDonald yesterday, confirming him as the presenter for its peak time news on ITV, now planned for 6:30pm and 11pm, with live up-date bulletins in-between.
Granada Television was competing with five other companies for the current affairs programme, including Carlton and Yorkshire Television. Steve Anderson, ITV’s controller of news and current affairs, said: “In the end, the Granada bid won because of its all-round strength. It combined a proven track record in delivering high quality ITV current affairs with a new and exciting way of producing the biggest factual show on TV.” Anderson also expressed warm enthusiasm at Trevor McDonald’s decision to sign a long-term contract. (Despite this, there are reports which suggest that McDonald is opposed to the move.)
For the re-haul to go ahead, approval is needed from the ITC. The Commission is fielding opinion from viewers, broadcasters, politicians and other groups. Prime Minister Tony Blair has made his disapproval of the proposal known, as has Sandy Gall, ex-News At Ten presenter. Despite an official statement by ITN that it views the move positively, its journalists are rumoured to have mis-givings about the development.
Under the 1990 Broadcasting Act, the ITC has a duty to ensure that high quality news is carried at intervals throughout the day and at peak viewing times by all Channel 3 licensees simultaneously; it is expected to announce a decision in late November.
ITC director of programmes, Sarah Thane, commented: “We want to know what viewers think of these proposed changes in news provision, including regional programmes and the introduction of a wider range of programmes in the 9-11pm period. When the ITC takes its decision it must have a clear understanding of viewers’ preferences.”
ITC: 0171 734 0940 ITV: 0171 843 8000 ITN: 0171 833 3000
