The Independent Television Commission (ITC) is sticking to its decision that ITV’s Nightly News bulletin must be moved to an earlier time in the schedule in order to improve audiences (see ITV Must Address News Audience Decline, Says ITC). Following a meeting today the Commission is to issue a legally-binding direction for the ITV licensees to reschedule the programme.
The ITC has the power to make this direction under the Broadcasting Act, which means that ITV must either comply or challenge the Commission’s right to insist on this course of action. A timetable for compliance is expected to be included in the full text of the direction.
Following a meeting on 22 June the ITC received a letter from ITV stating its proposed measures to improve news audiences, but they were not deemed to fulfill the requirements placed on the broadcasters (see ITC Tells ITV To Bring Forward Nightly News).
ITV has acknowledged the statement made by the ITC and is said to be “considering its position, pending the receipt of the full text of the direction.” No further comment has been issued. The full text will be made available by the ITC early next week.
ITC: 020 7255 3000 ITV: 020 7843 8222
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