Channel 4 has confirmed today that it has renewed its contract with ITN to supply Channel 4 News until December 2026.
The news comes months after commercial rival Channel 5 also opted to stay with ITN as the provider of its news bulletins. But the deal is shorter than the five year deal that people in the industry were expecting.
Channel 4 says the deal with ITN will ensure Channel 4 News remains at the heart of its schedule, delivering on its remit to cover UK and international stories and investigations.
ITN has held the contract for 40 years with the Channel 4 News programme one of only two programmes that have been on air continuously since Channel 4 started broadcasting in 1982. Afternoon words-and-number game Countdown is the other.
Channel 4 News editor Esme Wren said:
“It’s fantastic that Channel 4 has recognised the strength and dedication of the whole team delivering Channel 4 News night after night on TV as well as across digital platforms in what has been a tremendously busy, unrelenting news cycle. From the war in Ukraine to the turmoil of UK politics and the cost-of-living crisis including numerous strikes, we aim to provide a comprehensive and alternative viewpoint reflecting voices across the nation.”
Channel 4 is investing heavily in a new Leeds studio for the programme as part of its increased commitment to nations and regions coverage and has recently appointed a dedicated team in Leeds who will sit at the heart of a digital and data-led strategy.
They include data correspondent and presenter Ciaran Jenkins, communities editor Darshna Soni, deputy head of home news, Sally Chesworth and head of regions, Sunita Bhatti.
Channel 4 News had been threatened by now abandoned plans to sell Channel 4.
Marc Thornham