Channel 4 Denies RI:SE To Be Taken Off Air

Channel 4 has strongly denied speculation that its new breakfast show RI:SE could be taken off air by August unless viewing figures improve.

Since its launch less than a month ago (see

He said: “Channel 4 has always insisted that its investment in RI:SE is long-term and there are absolutely no plans to take the show off air.”

RI:SE, which is hosted by Sky Sports presenter Mark Durden-Smith and Sky One presenter Kirsty Gallacher (see RI:SE Set To Shine Early On Channel 4), has been beaten in the ratings by all of the other terrestrial channels and its tabloid-style news format has so far failed to engage audiences.

The programme’s predecessor, The Big Breakfast, was taken off air at the end of March after viewing figures fell to less than 300,000. However, Channel 4 insists that it is pleased with the development of RI:SE and remains confident that viewing its figures will improve.

From next week the show, which has already had to replace its producer (see Producer Quits RI:SE After Four Days On Air), will begin broadcasting a digest of E4 programming and will show overnight footage from the new Big Brother house (see Big Brother Set For Blanket Coverage) in an attempt to attract more viewers.

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com

Recent TV Stories from NewsLine MTV Delays UK Debut Of The Osbournes Smash Hits TV Celebrates Birthday With Rebrand Telewest Launches Interactive TV Service

Subscribers can access ten years of NewsLine articles by clicking the Search button to the left