Channel 5 is merging its two main bulletins to create a newshour from 5pm. The new show starts on 8th November.
According to ITN, who produces 5 News, the expanded programme promises to “deliver a greater depth of stories to a teatime audience – keeping the pace and tone enjoyed by existing 5 News viewers with an increased emphasis on analysing the issues that affect their lives the most.” Sian Williams and Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije will host the new programme.
For the first time on a daily news programme, viewers will be able to WhatsApp the presenters directly.
The new-look 5 News will also include a regular segment with Sian Williams looking at mental health and well-being. Sian has 15 years’ experience in this area and has recently passed a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology, having spent three years delivering psychological therapy in the NHS and other areas.
As a result of the change, Neighbours moves to 6pm, replacing Home and Away, which will now be shown on 5STAR in the evenings.
Ofcom approval
Ofcom recently approved the changes, which means Channel 5 will no longer broadcast a main bulletin within peak-time hours. It noted the bulletin reaches viewers other public service broadcasters struggle to reach.
Following the changes, 5 News will no longer have to compete against the highly popular BBC One regional news magazines and ITV Evening News at 6:30pm.
Since its launch 24 years ago, 5 News has struggled to maintain a consistent timeslot for its main news bulletin. Originally 5 News aired at 8:30pm, before moving earlier in the evening. During the last decade, Channel 5 has settled on two bulletins at 5:00pm and 6:30pm, with Australian soaps Neighbours and Home and Away filling the time in between.
Channel 5 also shows short bulletins during primetime. 5 News is often inserted in the middle of a film at the weekends. By splitting a film in two, Channel 5 can show more adverts.
5 News Editor, Cait FitzSimons said:
“5 News tells the stories that matter most to Britain. Our new look show is dedicated to increasing our stories from around the UK. It’s a commitment to hearing how the decisions taken in Westminster filter down to towns and cities – and a chance for us to find the stories that aren’t being covered by other news programmes.”