Channel 4 could cut news programming

Channel 4 could cut its News at Noon and More4 News programmes in an attempt to cut budgets by 10%.

Although the broadcaster said that no decisions have yet been taken, it is understood that several programmes are under threat, with executives ordering a review of its news operations.

Earlier this month, Channel 4 chief executive Andy Duncan said that it would probably cut 10% from its £600 million programming budget.

Speaking at the launch of the company’s annual report on 6 May, he estimated that ad revenue will fall by 18% in the first half of the year.

The broadcaster cut its content budget by £25 million in 2008, to just under £600 million. Although it had originally planned a further £25 million cut this year announced earlier this month that it would instead be cutting between £60 million and £75 million from its content budget in 2009.

Channel 4 News, broadcast from Monday to Friday at 7pm, is watched by up to a million viewers and is widely respected as an authoritative source.

More 4 News, a half-hour bulletin shown weekdays at 8pm, attracts around 33,000..