ITN revamping ITV1 evening broadcast to ‘sandwich’ regional news
It has been reported that ITN is piloting a revamp of ITV1’s evening news, which ‘sandwiches’ the regional news between national and international news.
Non-broadcast pilots were filmed this week fronted by Alistair Stewart and Mary Nightingale on Tuesday and Mark Austin and Julie Etchingham on Wednesday.
The pilots were confirmed to staff earlier this month in a letter by ITV's director of news and sport, Mike Jermey.
The Guardian was told that no decision had been made and the review may decide to retain the current format, with regional news at 6pm followed half an hour later by the national ITV News bulletin. Some ITN staff are said to be worried about if the new-look news hour will affect the standing of the national bulletin.
If it is decided to make the change in format, it must first receive regulatory approval from Ofcom.